Spurs star Alli set to miss rest of season – report

Matt Stead

Dele Alli has reportedly decided not to contest an FA charge of violent conduct which is expected to see him miss the rest of the season for Tottenham.

The midfielder, who on Sunday night was named PFA Young Player of the Year after a brilliant breakthrough season at White Hart Lane, was charged by the FA after he was seen to swing an arm into the stomach of West Brom’s Claudio Yacob during Monday night’s 1-1 draw.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino initially bemoaned Yacob’s efforts to provoke the 20-year-old, but Sky Sports report that the player has opted against contesting the charge which carries a three-match ban if found guilty.

The England midfielder had until 6pm on Wednesday to answer a charge by the FA which could rule him out for the rest of the season.

Not being able to call upon Alli for the last three games of the season is a huge blow for Spurs, who still have a mathematical chance of catching leaders Leicester.

Second-placed Tottenham trail the Foxes by seven points with their three games remaining against Chelsea, Southampton and Newcastle.