Mourinho: Alli didn't deserve 1-match ban for coronavirus video

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho does not think Dele Alli merited a one-match ban for a video he posted during the COVID-19 lockdown when compared to other offenses players committed over the same period without being punished.

Alli will miss Friday's visit from Manchester United after the FA suspended the Spurs star for a breach of conduct due to the February video, which mocked the coronavirus and a man who appeared to be Asian. The FA's investigation determined that the midfielder used an "unacceptable racist stereotype in a misguided attempt at humor."

"I can only tell you I feel very sorry that Dele is not playing," Mourinho told reporters Thursday, per the Evening Standard's Dan Kilpatrick.

Mourinho added, "I don't want to say much more than I don't think he deserves a one-match ban compared with wrong behaviors at much bigger dimensions that happened during this period without any consequences."

Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish played Wednesday versus Sheffield United despite being involved in a car crash during the hiatus, and Manchester City's Kyle Walker featured against Arsenal after twice flouting government guidelines, once with an alleged sex party.

Grealish was charged with multiple driving offenses Thursday stemming from a collision with parked cars in March.

It's not all bad news for Spurs, who will welcome back a host of previously injured first-team standouts for their return to play after a hiatus of more than three months due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

"Now we have Kane, Son, Sissoko, lose Dele and we're not going to cry. We're just going to try to forget that Dele's not playing," Mourinho continued.

Spurs midfielder Eric Dier was also charged by the FA for "improper and/or threatening" behavior after the England international climbed into the stands to confront a fan alleged to have been insulting the England international's brother following a FA Cup defeat to Norwich City in March.

"I forgot that one," said Mourinho. "I forgot that one because it was such a strong movement at the time from the football community and others supporting Eric Dier."

Dier - who awaits the results of an independent investigation into his actions - is eligible to play Thursday against United as Spurs chase a top-four spot after stumbling into the interval on a three-match winless run.