Andre Villas-Boas Risks FA Punishment After Condemning Fernando Torres Verdict

Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has attacked The Football Association for its "farcical" decision not to hand Fernando Torres a ban for scratching Jan Vertonghen.

The Spain international was shown a red card as Spurs and Chelsea played out a 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane on Saturday after picking up two yellow cards, one of which was issued for tripping the Belgian defender in the build-up to their altercation.

Vertonghen was left with visible scratches down his face following in the incident which called for the FA to review the situation that left the possibility of Torres having his one match ban extended to four.

But after ruling that no other action will be taken due to a match official witnessing the incident, Villas-Boas has been left bewildered by the lack of further action and questioned the practicality of the FA's powers to take retrospective action in such high profile incidents.

""It's extremely difficult to know where to start," Villas-Boas told a press conference ahead of his side's Europa League clash against Anzhi.

"Obviously, it is almost a farcical decision. It doesn't matter to me which player or club is involved.

"Neither do I want to with my words put into question Fernando's integrity; neither their manager's, in trying to defend what is our position.

"I think the FA has made a decision almost a joke. It looks incredible.

"How can you see the images, pretty clear, and come out without punishment, on something (which) overtakes all professional behaviour?

"I think the decision is a disgrace. If the committee can't solve such clear images I don't think it sets out a good first example and we're not asking nobody to retract themselves; the player to retract themselves. That would not be fair.

"This is a competition and in the end they came up with what they thought was fair for that. We don't want Fernando suspended because it can make them weaker, because their bench is so strong, but I think the FA has lost all opportunity to put some sense into the images everybody saw.

"I'm extremely grateful for ex-refs to be able to enlighten people a little bit more, though I think most of you guys saw the incident as something that is not tolerable in football."

In his comments, Villas-Boas has risked breaking FA rules regarding media comments that question the integrity of the game, or are seen to be as detrimental to the sport's image.

The FA have three days to charge to Villas-Boas if they feel he had breached their guidelines and could face a fine if found guilty.