TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR will be without new £60 million signing Richarlison for the first game of the season against Saints – after the FA announced he will serve a one-match ban for an incident that occurred last season.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side will travel to the London for the season opener against Spurs, who have been one of the busiest clubs in the transfer market this summer.

Alongside the addition of the Everton striker, Spurs have signed Fraser Forster after his contract expired at St Mary’s, whilst also bringing in the experience of Ivan Perisic, a goalscorer for Croatia in the 2018 World Cup final.

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They have also raided south coast club Brighton for Yves Bissouma, and manager Antonio Conte remains keen for further additions after securing Champions League football last season.

Saints’ task has been made slightly easier due to the enforced absence of Richarlison, who picked up a ban for antics against Chelsea in May, whilst with previous club Everton.

After scoring what proved to be the winning goal in the 46th minute, the striker rushed over to the Goodison support.

In one of the most iconic images from last campaign, Brazilian international Richarlison can be seen lifting a flare aloft in the air, before tossing it to one side.

A statement from the FA Spokesperson read: “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 1 May 2022.

“The Tottenham Hotspur FC forward admitted that his conduct while playing for Everton FC during the 46th minute of this game against Chelsea FC was improper, and his sanction imposed during a subsequent hearing.”

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