Jan Vertonghen Not to Be 'Handed' a Punishment for His Altercation With Jay Rodriguez

Jan Vertonghen has escaped retrospective action from the FA over his clash with Southampton's Jay Rodriguez.

The incident occurred in the first half of Wednesday's game at St Mary's which saw the two come together when attempting to win a loose ball. Footage appeared to show Vertonghen pushing Rodriguez in the face after the ball had been cleared.

Jan Vertonghen lucky not to see red as Spurs defender is caught putting his hand in Jay Rodriguez's face https://t.co/tAdR7Mlx0m pic.twitter.com/JshP6tTrh0

The incident was not seen byMike Dean and his team of officials and was referred onto the post-match review panel of former referees.

After reviewing the footage, the three man panel remained unsure whether Vertonghen's actions were deliberate so no chargewas presented against the Tottenham defender.

Despite this, Vertonghen will still be suspended for Spurs' next game against Watford on Sunday after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season following an altercation with Shane Longin the game's later stages.

Mauricio Pochettino will also be without Kyle Walker for Sunday's game as he, like Vertonghen,picked up his fifth booking of the campaign.

Tottenham moved backto within a point of rivalsArsenal, and fourth place after their 4-1 win at St Mary's. Having watchedevery other side in the top seven win during the weekend, there was a lot of pressureon Spurstoclaim three vital points.However, the Londoners gotoff to the worst start possible, conceding within the first two minutes.

However, Tottenham regrouped and were on level terms by half time through a superb headed goal by Dele Alli.

Harry Kane put the victors ahead in the second half before missing a penalty, which controversially sawNathan Redmond sent off. Another goal from Alli and a late strike from Son Heung-min wrapped up three points for Tottenham.