Dani Osvaldo could come up against the man at the centre of one of the most controversial incidents of his career just days after being charged with violent conduct by the FA.

The Saints record signing has been hit with an FA charge for his part in the dugout brawl that took place during injury time of Saints’ 1-1 draw at Newcastle.

Newcastle goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman has also been charged.

But his opposite number at Saints, Toni Jimenez – who, like Woodman, was sent to the stands – is not facing investigation.

Likewise, the clubs will not face charges.

Osvaldo and Woodman both have until December 23 to respond to the charges.

This weekend Osvaldo could get a flashback to another controversial moment in his career.

Tottenham star Erik Lamela, whose team visit St Mary’s on Sunday, has struggled to make it into the side of late.

But he was in the Roma team alongside Osvaldo when they lost 2-0 to Udinese just over two years ago.

Tempers reportedly flared after the game, as they often can, but it went a stage further in the changing room with Osvaldo apparently punching his teammate – a reaction which earned him a suspension and a €50,000 fine from his club.

It’s the kind of thing Osvaldo was hoping to put behind him in England.

But this latest incident, not long after Mauricio Pochettino had to pull him away from a potential fracas after the defeat to Aston Villa, shows he still has work to do.

Pochettino has admitted his player has a fiery side, but believes his man is maturing.

“His reputation, he has actually earned it,” said Pochettino after Osvaldo scored a stunning goal against Manchester City recently to demonstrate the beautiful side to his game.

“He has a full character, full of passion.

“He has a big heart and is full of fire inside and he needs that to perform as he does.

“He’s a player also that is growing.

“He’s learning, he’s maturing as a player and we’re very happy with his performance and overall with his general behaviour.”

Speaking of the Villa incident, he added: “It’s also true that he was provoked.

“He was hit from behind, a very bad hit from behind, a very traitor-like hit from behind.

“It’s true he was provoked but nonetheless he does have a fiery character and we need to be aware of that.”