Moussa Sissoko facing possible ban for elbow on Bournemouth's Harry Arter

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Moussa Sissoko could face a ban for his elbow on Harry Arter during Spurs' 0-0 draw against Bournemouth on Saturday (22 October). The pair clashed late during the game and the midfielder escaped punishment after the referee, Craig Pawson, admitted to having missed the infringement, leaving the door open for the FA to take retrospective action.

Sissoko's elbow caught Arter flush in the face while the two were contesting a ball near the touchline, and the midfiedler's reaction sparked a heated confrontation between the players of the two clubs. The referee, after consultation with the linesman, chose not to penalise the player and let play continue. Tottenham take on Liverpool in the EFL Cup fourth round on Tuesday (25 October) and any retrospective action could see the French midfielder miss out on the clash against the Merseyside club.

The Cherries midfielder admitted that he was expecting a red card for the France international, but admitted after the game that he was willing to move on after Sissoko apologised for the incident after the game. The FA, however, are expected to wait for the referee's match report before deciding on further action.

"After the game he apologised and I have to let it lie. I'm not one to hold grudges. He said sorry, he didn't mean it, so that's end of. From my point of view I am happy with his apology," Arter said after the 0-0 draw at Dean Court, as quoted by the Mirror.

"I felt dazed, I felt stars in my eyes for a couple of seconds. I thought it was going to be a red card at the time. The ref said he didn't see it so it down to him if he does want to take any action," the Cherries midfielder added.

According to the Guardian, Tottenham will learn about the FA decision on Monday, once the referee submits his report. If it reveals that Pawson had a clear view of the incident and chose not to punish the player, the FA will not be obliged to take further action, but if it states otherwise, they could refer the incident to the three-man video panel, who will decide if further action is warranted.