Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Thomas Tuchel: Chelsea boss hit with touchline ban and hefty fine, while Conte given lesser punishment after derby fracas

Antonio Conte, Thomas Tuchel Chelsea v Tottenham

Thomas Tuchel has been hit with a £35,000 fine and handed a one-match touchline ban over his clash with Antonio Conte in Sunday’s fiery London derby against Tottenham.

Spurs boss Conte has also been fined, but the Italian has only incurred a £15,000 penalty after both managers admitted improper conduct in several touchline clashes during the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Tuchel’s touchline ban has been suspended temporarily. That is pending the full written reasons for the decision – allowing the Chelsea manager to take his place in the dugout at Leeds.

The pair squared up to each other on a number of occasions during the match and were booked. While the pair were sent off at full-time after they clashed during a “heavy” handshake which sparked a huge melee.

“An independent regulatory commission has today ordered that Thomas Tuchel be fined £35,000 and banned from the touchline for one match. And Antonio Conte be fined £15,000 after they respectively breached FA Rule E3,” read an FA statement.

“Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte admitted that their behaviour after the final whistle of the Premier League game between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC on Sunday, August 14 2022 was improper, and both managers requested a paper hearing.

“These sanctions are subject to appeal. And Thomas Tuchel’s one-match touchline ban has been suspended temporarily pending the independent regulatory commission’s written reasons for its decision that will be made available in due course.”

Chelsea boss Tuchel was furious that both of Tottenham’s goals were allowed to stand. 

He claimed Richarlison was offside for Pierre Hojbjerg’s goal. And then he was left furious that Christian Romero was not punished for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair.

Tuchel furious over ‘obvious’ mistake

Tuchel was asked afterwards if Anthony Taylor should not be allowed to referee Chelsea again. He said: “Maybe it would be better, maybe it would be better.”

VAR official Mike Dean has since admitted he made an error. He has said he should have asked Taylor to review the Romero-Cucurella incident on the pitchside monitor.

Tuchel said on Friday that he did not take too much solace in Dean admitting his mistake.

“Well hopefully I’m not too honest. But if the mistake is that big and that obvious what’s the point of not admitting it if the whole world sees it?” said Tuchel.

“I struggle to be fully impressed by the statement. It’s so clear and obvious I cannot understand how a referee cannot make the right decision.”

The German coach did admit though that he laughed at himself afterwards.

“Of course, we laugh! It is very important to laugh about ourselves,” Tuchel said. “I was laughing in the dressing room. It was the heat of the match, for me, still not that bad. A handshake and too long, too heavy! I admit it.”