Watford's Troy Deeney grabbed Joe Allen around neck and laughed in his face... how did striker get away with it? 'He must be charged and suspended'

  • Troy Deeney and Joe Allen clashed during Watford's game against Stoke City 
  • Striker wrapped his hands around Allen's neck and dug his fingers into his face
  • Sportsmail's Graham Poll believes Deeney should face an extended suspension 

Troy Deeney and Joe Allen clashed during Watford's game against Stoke City on Saturday.

The Watford striker went in for a tackle on Allen during the second-half with his team 1-0 down and time running out. Deeney seemed to kick out at Allen after the challenge.

He then vented his frustrations after the Stoke man reacted by advancing towards his larger opponent.

Troy Deeney and Joe Allen clashed off the ball during Saturday's encounter at Vicarage Road

Troy Deeney and Joe Allen clashed off the ball during Saturday's encounter at Vicarage Road

The Watford striker sank his hands into Allen's face and grabbed him around the neck

The Watford striker sank his hands into Allen's face and grabbed him around the neck

Troy Deeney was charged separately for violent conduct after grabbing Joe Allen's face

Deeney also laughed in the face of the Wales international midfielder during the incident

The striker was only booked for his actions during injury time as Watford lost 1-0 to Stoke

The striker was only booked for his actions during injury time as Watford lost 1-0

GRAHAM POLL'S VERDICT ON DEENEY 

Troy Deeney must be charged and suspended by the FA disciplinary department after viewing the video replays of his disgraceful assault on Stoke's Joe Allen.

The pictures clearly show Deeney pressing his thumb with great force and determination into Allen's cheek. It's a gouge type of offence and the 'maniacal' look on Deeney's face reveals the extent of his intentions.

Referee Michael Oliver showed both players a yellow card for the aggressive confrontation but it was impossible for him to see the violent act of the Watford player from his viewing position meaning the FA can act on the separate more serious offence.

While violent conduct usually attracts a three match ban I'd support a longer absence from action for Deeney, such is the force of his attack.

 

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Deeney seemed to put both hands on Allen's neck and then sunk his fingers into the Wales international's face.


The comparative size of both players meant Deeney was able to lift Allen into the air, which he did while laughing in his face.

Eventually players from both sides intervened, which stopped the incident from becoming more serious.

Even so, there has been shock at the fact Deeney was only booked for his actions. 

According to the Laws of the Game, Deeney is likely to be retrospectively charged with violent conduct. 

The Laws read: 'Violent conduct is when a player uses or attempts to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball, or against a team-mate, team official, match official, spectator or any other person, regardless of whether contact is made.'

One person who expects that judgement to be handed down to him is Sportsmail's refereeing expert Graham Poll. 

Deeney's size relative to Allen meant he was able to lift the midfielder off his feet

Deeney's size relative to Allen meant he was able to lift the midfielder off his feet

Deeney is pulled away from the incident on Saturday by his team-mate Richarlison

Deeney is pulled away from the incident on Saturday by his team-mate Richarlison

Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross speaks to the Watford striker after the incident

Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross speaks to the Watford striker after the incident

He said: 'Troy Deeney must be charged and suspended by the FA disciplinary department after viewing the video replays of his disgraceful assault on Stoke's Joe Allen.' 

If Deeney were handed the usual three match ban for violent conduct on the pitch, he would miss Watford's games against Everton, West Ham and Newcastle.

An extended suspension could also see him be rendered unavailable for the game against Manchester United.  

If he were banned for as many as five games, he would not be able to play during the visit of Tottenham Hotspur.

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