Mousa Dembele is facing a lengthy ban after the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder accepted a Football Association (FA) charge of violent conduct after he appeared to try to scratch the eye of Chelsea's Diego Costa.
Mauricio Pochettino confirmed at his news conference on Friday that Dembele had accepted the charge, which followed Monday's 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
A source with knowledge of the proceedings has told ESPN FC that the Belgium midfielder was disputing the FA's claim that the usual three-match ban for violent conduct is "clearly insufficient."
The decision to accept the charge means Dembele is certain to be banned for Spurs' final two Premier League games, against Southampton and Newcastle, as well the first game of next season.
An independent panel of three former referees will review the incident and decide the 28-year-old's fate, with a suspension of between five and 10 games possible.
Pochettino explained he had spoken to the Belgian about the incident, saying in his prematch news conference on Friday: "It's impossible to not speak about it [with Dembele].
"Mousa knows like Dele Alli that when you cross the line you need to pay. We cannot justify but we understand. If we punish him [internally] it's private. I never give public information if we do something."
Pochettino also said Spurs "crossed the line" in Monday's draw at Chelsea but said he is "proud" of his players for shedding the club's "soft" image.
Dembele's absence will be a blow to Spurs, who are already without the suspended Dele Alli for their final two matches and need to win against either Southampton and Newcastle to all but guarantee second place and a first finish above rivals Arsenal since the 1994-95 season.
Spurs have also incurred an automatic £25,000 fine for picking up nine bookings at Stamford Bridge -- a Premier League record -- and both teams have been charged by the FA with failing to control their players.
The clubs have until 6 p.m. on Monday to respond to the charge and are expected to receive significant fines.