Tottenham midfielder gets 3-match ban for violent conduct

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli has been handed a three-match ban after for violent conduct having appeared to punch West Bromwich Albion's Claudio Yacob in Monday's Premier League game.

Alli, the PFA's Young Player of the Year, swung his arm at the West Brom midfielder during the first half of the 1-1 draw that left Tottenham's fading title hopes in tatters.

The incident was missed by the match officials, but the Football Association decided to charge England international Alli after reviewing video evidence.

"Dele Alli has been charged for an alleged act of violent conduct which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video," the FA said in a statement on Tuesday.

The three-match ban means the midfielder will miss the final games of the season.

Alli has been one of the season's revelations, and is tipped to play a major role for England in the European Championships.

He however failed to exert much authority on Monday when Spurs struggled to break down a resilient Albion side with little to play for.

Spurs coach Maurio Pocchetino suggested Alli has already become a target for the opposition. "Sometimes the opponents find him and try to provoke, they know he has a strong character and may react," Spurs boss said.