Premier League - Chelsea star Torres 'facing four-match ban'

Fernando Torres could face a four-match suspension that would see him out of action until November, according to reports.

Chelsea striker Torres will definitely serve a one-match suspension having been sent off for two bookable offences in a fiery London derby against Tottenham over the weekend.

However, he could face a further three matches on the sidelines if found guilty of violent conduct after an altercation with Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen.

The Daily Mail reports that referee Mike Dean booked Torres for a foul in the build-up to the flashpoint, rather than the altercation that ensued afterwards as the £50 million man appeared to gouge the Tottenham player’s face.
It is believed that neither Dean nor his assistants saw the incident, and that Dean will confirm that in his official match report to the FA’s disciplinary department. That means that Torres could face retrospective action.
A panel of three ex-referees will review the incident and decide whether the offence is worthy of a red for violent conduct. If they deem that to be the case then Torres could see a further three matches added to his existing one-match ban.
Given the video evidence available, it seems almost certain that Torres will face charges - and former top flight referee Graham Poll is in little doubt that the league will throw the book at the Spanish star.
"Torres should face at least a three-match ban for his spiteful, cowardly assault on Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen," Poll wrote in his Daily Mail column.
"You could see the spite on Torres’ face and there appeared to be an intention to cause harm. There is no place on the football field for such actions, which rugby sees too often and always cites and punishes with video evidence.
"You could see the spite on Torres’ face and there appeared to be an intention to cause harm. There is no place on the football field for such actions, which rugby sees too often and always cites and punishes with video evidence."
If banned, Torres would miss Premier League games against Norwich, Cardiff and Manchester City and the League Cup fixture against Arsenal.