Tottenham women player gets two match ban for 'deceiving referee' in Ella Toone clash

Eveliina Summanen has received a two match ban for “successful deception of a match official” during Tottenham Hotspur’s encounter against Manchester United.

Ella Toone was initially given a red card for a skirmish with Summanen at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 12th.

Although Manchester United were winning 2-1 in the 80th minute, tensions were high as the Red Devils battled to hold on to a vital three points in the Women’s Super League title race.

Summanen received the ball from a throw-in but was immediately brought down by Toone, with the England star also falling to the floor as their legs got tangled.

Toone then appeared to shove Summanen back to the ground as she was getting up. The Spurs player fell backwards, with her hands to her face.

The referee immediately brought out a red card, but this was then rescinded just days later after a successful appeal from Manchester United. The FA also announced that Summanen had been charged for simulation.

Their statement read: "It is alleged that the midfielder committed a clear act of simulation during the 80th minute which led to an opponent being sent off, and therefore her behaviour amounts to improper conduct."

Video: Watch Ella Toone receive red card for Eveliina Summanen skirmish

It's all kicking off 🤯

Ella Toone is shown a red card 🟥 pic.twitter.com/Ix4iSuFSGR

— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) February 12, 2023

Why has Eveliina Summanen received a two match ban for ‘deceiving the referee’?

Summanen denied the charge from the FA, despite Manchester United boss Marc Skinner accusing her of “play-acting”, but her appeal failed, and she subsequently received a two match ban.

“The midfielder denied a charge for ‘successful deception of a match official’, which allegedly took place during the 80th minute and led to an opponent being sent off, and amounts to improper conduct” the FA's statement reads.

“An independent Regulatory Commission upheld the charge during a subsequent hearing and imposed her two match ban. Its written reasons will be published in due course.”

pic.twitter.com/vfIOuNbsHk

— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) February 21, 2023

Summanen will now miss Tottenham’s FA Cup fifth round match against Reading, and a WSL clash against Manchester City on March 5th.

Her absence will be a blow for manager Rehanne Skinner, with Spurs currently languishing in ninth place in the WSL.

It is rare for a player to receive a ban for simulation, with Patrick Bamford the most high-profile male footballer to be given such a punishment.