Torres escapes FA action for scratching Vertonghen

Fernando Torres will not face retrospective disciplinary action for scratching the face of Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen.

The Chelsea striker was captured on television scratching the face of Spurs’ Belgian defender, leaving visible marks, leading the Football Association to review the incident. But, as one of the match officials saw the incident ,under FA rules no action can be taken and he escapes any extra ban.

The FA said in a statement: “The FA will take no action against Chelsea’s Fernando Torres in relation to an incident involving Tottenham Hotspur’s Jan Vertonghen which occurred in the 50th minute of their match on Saturday 28 September 2013.

“One of the match officials saw the coming together of the two players, albeit not in its entirety.”

Torres was later sent off for two yellow cards meaning he will serve just a one-match ban.