Thomas Tuchel “quite clearly instigated the confrontation between himself and Antonio Conte”, an independent regulatory commision has found.
The Chelsea and Tottenham bosses got themselves in hot water after the pair clashed at the end of a thrilling London derby at Stamford Bridge earlier this month. Tension had been bubbling throughout the controversial 2-2 draw, but it was a post-match coming together which forced the Football Association to act.
After Spurs grabbed a last-gasp Harry Kane equaliser, Conte and Tuchel approached one another to shake hands. However, Tuchel appeared to not let go of his opposite number’s hands causing a melee between both benches.
Both were sent off by referee Anthony Taylor and his report of the incident has now been made public. "I have to report that I, as the referee, sent off Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur under Law 12: Physical or aggressive behaviour.
“At the final whistle the two managers, Mr Tuchel and Mr Conte shook hands at the side of the pitch which appeared to result in prolonged physical contact between them.
“As a result an aggressive confrontation ensued which caused a further mass confrontation involving the technical areas and players. Having shown Mr Tuchel and Mr Conte the red card I advised him to leave the field of play."
The two coaches were then given an opportunity to respond to the charges, with Conte’s version of events insisting he was not the aggressor. "I would first like to apologise to the Commission for the events that happened after the game against Chelsea on Sunday which is not something I like being associated with, or seeing on a football field. For this reason I have therefore admitted the charge of improper conduct.
"The referee blew the final whistle, I wanted to congratulate my players and acknowledge the away fans, as well as the home fans who I still hold with great affection after my time managing the club…so not to create any further unease between us I wanted to quickly shake hands and move on.
"I extended my hand towards him with the intention of briefly shaking his, however he grabbed my hand and did not release his grip. Due to his very firm grip my arm jarred causing me to be pulled backwards.
“I was both surprised and unhappy that such handshake caused me to be pulled back with such physical force. I did not over-react to this provocation and with the circumstances was proud of how I handled myself. Had I made any reaction then I understand the situation would have been much worse."
Tuchel meanwhile, claims Conte failed to look at him and “considered his demeanour to be a sign of disrespect towards him." He added: "I therefore held on to his hand as he walked past me and told him to look me in the eyes when he shakes my hand. Mr Conte replied in Italian and acted very aggressively towards me. I did not react to his aggression and did not say anything insulting to him.
“I acknowledge that I could and should have dealt with Mr Conte’s conduct towards me in a more appropriate manner (for example, by speaking to him privately afterwards). I apologise to The FA and to the Regulatory Commission, for having to bring and consider the charge."
The commission decided Tuchel was in fact “clearly the instigator of the confrontation by choosing to grip the latter’s hand and jolt him back after he had passed by.”
The released report adds: "Had he not gripped Conte's hand the confrontation between the two and the subsequent melee that followed would not have occurred. Tuchel gripping Conte's hand for the reason he gave was simply not justifiable.
“Cursory handshakes are a common occurrence at the end of highly-charged football matches and there exists no obligation for one person to look the other in the eye whilst shaking hands.”
Due to the causation of the incident, Tuchel has been handed a one-match touchline ban and a £35,000 fine, while his Italian counterpart will pay out a £15,000 fine.
