Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel reacts to Antonio Conte escaping ban as Jesse Marsch aims another dig

Thomas Tuchel has questioned the decision not to hand Antonio Conte a touchline ban following their fracas last weekend, while Jesse Marsch remains miffed by the Chelsea manager’s presence in the Elland Road dugout.

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Both the German coach and his Tottenham counterpart were shown red cards at the end of last Sunday’s thrilling 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge, with the two managers squaring up after Tuchel refused to let go of Conte’s hand.

The Chelsea manager was fined £35,000 and handed a one-match ban, while Conte’s punishment was less severe as he escaped a suspension and was fined just £15,000.

Despite admitting that his behaviour was improper, Tuchel requested a paper hearing and the sanctions are subject to appeal, meaning his touchline ban was suspended temporarily.

Tuchel was therefore able to travel with the Chelsea squad to Elland Road for Sunday’s clash with Leeds and, before kick-off, he questioned why Conte had not faced the same punishment given that they were both shown a red card.

Asked if he was surprised to be allowed on the touchline, Tuchel told Sky Sports before kick-off: ‘I’m not surprised. There is no explanation yet, and we wait for the explanation for the punishment.

‘And then if we accept it then I will be out of the coaching zone but let’s wait for the explanation. We both got a red card and it seems like Antonio Conte has no ban, so let’s see why.’

The FA have also opened a separate investigation into Tuchel’s post-match comments about referee Anthony Taylor which could lead to further punishment.

Leeds boss Marsch, meanwhile, was left perplexed at his pre-match press conference on Friday when informed that Tuchel could be in the dugout, saying he would be ‘disappointed’