Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele has been hit with an immediate six-game ban after being charged with violent conduct for an altercation with Diego Costa in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Monday, the Football Association has confirmed.
The FA charged Dembele, 28, with violent conduct on Wednesday after his eye gouge on Costa unseen by referee Mark Clattenburg.
The Belgium international accepted the charge but has failed in his attempt to have the punishment reduced and will now miss Spurs’ remaining two games of the season and four at the start of the next campaign.
Dembele has been integral to Tottenham’s success this season and his absence against Southampton and Newcastle will hinder their chances of securing second spot from rivals Arsenal.
In fact, Spurs have only lost one game in the league with Dembele in the starting XI this season (55.6%), compared to a win ratio 44.4% without him starting this season.
For more stats on Mousa Dembele, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
