Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett believes that Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea will both be charged after an unsavoury incident in the London derby at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
Enzo Fernadez’s second-half goal proved the difference between the two sides, consigning Ange Postecoglou to his fourth defeat in his four matches in charge against Chelsea.
The main talking point from the game has been Postecoglou’s controversial ear-cupping gesture to Spurs fans, which has seen the Australian’s already strained relationship with the supporters seemingly hit rock bottom.
However, it is another incident from the game that is expected to come under close scrutiny by the authorities.
Keith Hackett explains why Tottenham and Chelsea players could be charged
Towards the end of the first half, referee Craig Pawson blew for a foul just outside the Chelsea penalty area.
Levi Colwill picked the ball up as he appeared to question that decision, prompting Cristian Romero to run over to the Chelsea man, who fell to the ground after appearing to have been shoved in the chest by the Spurs vice-captain.
That led to a clash between the two teams, with numerous players getting involved in a melee – including a heated exchange between Rodrigo Bentancur and Trevoh Chalobah.
MORE SPURS STORIES
Keith Hackett believes that Pawson handled the incident well and he expects the authorities to charge both clubs with failing to control their players.
Hackett told Football Insider: “In the first half of the Chelsea vs Spurs game we witnessed a mass confrontation between both sets of players after a player had been pushed to the ground.
“Craig Pawson carried out the mass confrontation protocol really well. At the end of this game, he will issue a report to the football authorities detailing what has taken place. As a result of that I expect both clubs to be charged with failing to control their players.”
James Maddison urges Spurs fans to keep faith
Thursday night was the latest in a long list of lacklustre performances Tottenham have delivered this season, especially away from home.
Speaking after the game, Maddison admitted that Spurs fans have every right to be angry and admitted that he and his teammates are desperately trying to get answers to why they are not getting results in the Premier League.