MARCOS ALONSO courted controversy after clashing with Arsenal substitute Ainsley Maitland-Niles and appearing to catch his face during Chelsea's loss at the Emirates.

Late on in the Blues' 2-0 defeat the Gunners' the pair came together during a corner and the youngster was left on the floor.

 Marcos Alonso and Ainsley Maitland-Niles had a coming together during a corner

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Marcos Alonso and Ainsley Maitland-Niles had a coming together during a cornerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

The defender has faced a backlash from supporters, with many calling on the FA to act and retrospectively ban him for his alleged actions.

One labelled the Spaniard's actions "absolutely disgraceful" and felt a ban was "imperative."

Another felt the FA left themselves open to criticism if they did not take action for the alleged offence.

 As both sides get ready to face the set-piece, Alonso appears to make contact with Maitland-Niles face

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As both sides get ready to face the set-piece, Alonso appears to make contact with Maitland-Niles face

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The incident capped a bad day for Chelsea, with goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Laurent Koscielny condemning them to defeat.

It closes the gap between fourth-placed Chelsea and fifth-placed Arsenal to just three points, with sixth-placed Manchester United also in close pursuit.

In May 2016 Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele was handed a six-game ban for violent conduct after appearing to gouge Diego Costa's eyes.
That incident happened in a fiery clash between Chelsea and Spurs at the end of the 2016 title race.

 The versatile youngster was left in a heap on the floor clutching face after the incident

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The versatile youngster was left in a heap on the floor clutching face after the incident

Absolutely disgraceful what Alonso did to Maitland-Niles. 3 game ban imperative

— 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@TheFamousCFC_V1) January 19, 2019

@FA surely marcos alonso should be banned for eye gouging? I remember one of our players got a 6 game ban for the sam incident! Please be consistent! Thanks

— Gards (@Gards44) January 19, 2019