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Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur made a move to sign Brazillian forward Richarlison from Everton by offering him a massive $71 million. With all formalities done, Richarlison was all set to feature in Hotspur’s first game of the 2022-23 season. But his actions while playing for Everton last season have delayed his debut for the Spurs.
Richarlison will have to wait for the white Hotspur shirt as he has been banned for his aggressive celebrations after scoring a goal in Everton vs Chelsea last season. The 25-year-old scored Everton's goal in a 1-0 win against Chelsea on May 1 and reacted by picking up a flare that had been thrown on the pitch before launching it into the Goodison Park stands.
Although it was a crucial win for Everton as they avoided relegation, Richarlison’s celebration did not sit too well with the Football Association as they charged the Brazilian on June 1. Richarlison also admitted to improper conduct and hence will now miss Hotspur’s first game of the 2022-23 season.
The governing body announced on Tuesday that Richarlison will be banned for one match and fined £25,000. "An independent regulatory commission has suspended Richarlison de Andrade for one match and fined him £25,000 following a breach of FA Rule E3 that took place during a Premier League game on Sunday, May 1, 2022," FA statement said.
"The Tottenham Hotspur FC forward admitted his conduct while playing for Everton during the 46th minute of this game against Chelsea FC was improper, and his sanction was imposed during a subsequent hearing."
Notably, Tottenham Hotspur will begin their 2022-23 Premier League campaign against Southampton on 6 August. Spurs will face Chelsea in their second game a week later (on 13 August). The Harry Kane-led side finished the 2021-22 season with 22 wins in 38 games. They finished fourth on the table. Son Heung-min was Spurs' best player with 23 goals who also won the golden boot.