Tottenham midfielder Eveliina Summanen has been charged with "successful deception of a match official" after an altercation with Manchester United's Ella Toone in Sunday's WSL clash.
Spurs lost 2-1 in the contest at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, making it seven defeats in a row for Rehanne Skinner's side, but the most controversial moment of the game came when Summanen and Toone clashed in the 80th minute. As the pair tussled on the ground, Toone appeared to hit out at Summanen, who proceeded to cover her face with her hands.
The 23-year-old was subsequently shown a red card; a decision that was contested by United boss Marc Skinner, who slammed Summanen for "play-acting" and confirmed the club would look to overturn Toone's suspension. And the FA have now announced United have been successful in their appeal, while the Tottenham star has been charged for deceiving referee Amy Fearn.
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In a statement released on Wendesday, the FA said: "Tottenham Hotspur Women's Eveliina Summanen has been charged with 'sucessful deception of a match official' following their WSL match against Manchester United Women on Sunday 12 February.
"It's alleged the midfielder comitted 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."
It is still unclear what punishment Summanen will face if she accepts the charge, though the 24-year-old could be issued with a two-match ban. In 2019, Dwight Gayle was hit with a retrospective two-match ban after diving during West Brom's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.
Reflecting on the referee's decision to send Toone off in Sunday's game, Marc Skinner said: "We want our players to show passion, commitment and energy," Skinner said. "It was play acting in my opinion. Obviously, with Ella we'll look at that but I want to see that from her - I want to see passion in our players.
"It's something we'll work on internally because we have to be accountable. I will appeal that red card."
Toone also took to social media to share her thoughts on the incident. Writing on Twitter, she said: "Pride myself on the passion and love I have when playing for this club. Hold my hands up for my reaction and I’ll learn from it. Proud of the team."
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