Tottenham boss Skinner left ‘disappointed’ after match ban for Eveliina Summanen and wants inconsistencies looked at
REHANNE SKINNER has been left unimpressed by the process leading to Eveliina Summanen’s two-match ban for deception.
The Tottenham chief questioned how rules are being interpreted after the rescinding of a red card for Manchester United’s Ella Toone.
Summanen, 24, has been suspended for “successful deception of a match official” during Spurs’ 2-1 loss to United on February 12.
The ban was issued following an incident in which the player was seen holding her face after a push on her shoulder from Toone.
The United star received a red card and three-match suspension later reversed after her club’s successful appeal.
Following the overturn the FA revealed Summanen had been charged for allegedly committing “a clear act of simulation”.
Tottenham’s appeal against this outcome, decided by an independent hearing, was unsuccessful.
It means the midfielder misses their Sunday FA Cup clash with Reading and their trip to Manchester City on March 5.
Skinner, 43, said: “It’s fair to say that we were really shocked, disappointed.
“I was unimpressed with the way this whole process has actually happened.
“When you a look at the face of it, the red card removal is one that potentially going to be really challenging.
“If we’re not interpreting the rule about violent conduct in the right way, then that is a bigger problem we need to look into.
“Essentially, it’s if you’re using or are attempting to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent when you’re not challenging for the ball. That’s the rule.
“In a situation where that’s happening and evident, then the challenge we’re faced with here is what precedent are we trying to set?
“What’s that going to look like moving forward for us all? I just think it’s opened a can of worms
“The Premier League, Football League, Championship and WSL all go by the same rules.
“I think this massively highlights the inconsistencies around how things are dealt with.
“That’s something that definitely needs to be addressed moving forward in order to ensure that we’re moving the game in the right direction.”
United boss Marc Skinner used the term “play-acting”, when sharing his thoughts on Summanen’s actions prior during the incident.
The Red Devils boss was responding during an interview immediately after game.
Spurs chief Skinner added: “I think it’s really important to focus on your own team and your own players.
“For me, commenting on other people’s players is beneath the standards and values I have and I’m prepared to go to.”
On Sunday aim to avenge their narrow 1-0 December loss to the Royals in the league by knocking them out of the FA Cup.
Since that defeat, Spurs’ attack has been boosted with Bethany England’s switch from Chelsea and Mana Iwabuchi joining on loan from Arsenal.
England has been looking sharp for her new side netting three goals in her past three games across all competitions.
Skinner said: “Beth has settled in faster than any of us expected with the goals she has scored and the way she has been performing.
“When you have been at a club for such a long period of time it does take time to adjust, but she’s applied herself unbelievably well.
“She picked up a bit of a knock in the Manchester United game that we have been managing this past week.
“We’re hopeful she will be in good position for this weekend.”