Tottenham and Middlesbrough charged

[bandini]

Tottenham and Middlesbrough have both been charged by the Football Association following the ugly brawl which scarred Tuesday night's Premiership encounter at White Hart Lane.

Scuffles between the sides broke out four minutes from the end of Spurs' 2-1 win.

The fracas was triggered by a tackle from Boro midfielder George Boateng on Aaron Lennon and involved almost a dozen players at one stage.

The respective clubs have until December 21 to respond and face a large fine if found guilty.

Both Boateng and Tottenham's Didier Zokora were red-carded by referee Mark Halsey.

However, while Spurs boss Martin Jol claimed afterwards he would almost certainly appeal against Zokora's dismissal, only Boro have actually done so on Boateng's behalf.

The Dutch international will have his case heard on Thursday. However, unless the FA adopt a lenient stance he will be suspended for four matches as the 33-year-old has already been dismissed once this season, against Arsenal in September.

It would rule Boateng out of Saturday's home encounter with Wigan, plus the following games against Fulham, Charlton and Everton.

Meanwhile Zokora will start a three-game ban this weekend which will culminate in the Carling Cup quarter-final clash with Southend.

source: soccernet.com