Time Fer change

THE FA have changed their disciplinary rules after being embarrassed by Fernando Torres escaping punishment for clawing Jan Vertonghen's face.

The FA have finally changed the rules regarding retrospective action on incidents not seen by match officials [GETTY]

Replays clearly showed the Chelsea striker scratching the Tottenham defender in their clash at the end of September.

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres got away with scratching Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen in the face in September [ACTION IMAGES]

“This enables the FA to consider acts of violent conduct, like an elbow or a stamp, which have occurred after a challenge for the ball or coming together”

Darren Bailey

Torres escaped because officials had seen the incident, although they later admitted they had not realised how serious it was. The FA have now announced that from November 22, they will be able to restrospectively charge players if the referee and his assistants have only partially seen incidents.
FA director of governance Darren Bailey said: "This enables the FA to consider acts of violent conduct, like an elbow or a stamp, which have occurred after a challenge for the ball or coming together."