The Argentine believes opposition are targeting Alli
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino feels opposition players are trying to provoke midfielder Dele Alli, in an attempt to get him sent off.
That was the thoughts of the 44-year-old, after Alli appeared to punch Claudio Yacob in the stomach in Monday night’s 2-2 draw with West Brom.
And it’s not the first incident involving the England international, after throwing the ball into the face of Sunderland defender Patrick van Aanholt in January, and then seemingly dragging his feet over a Fiorentina player’s back, a month later.
“I hear some comments but I have no time to see the action,” the Spurs boss said.
“Sometimes the opponent find him and try to provoke, they know he has a strong character and may react.
“I don’t know what has happened, we will see. I have nothing to comment now but Dele has a strong character if you wind him up.”
Season over for Alli?
And if the FA decide to take action, the 20-year-old could face a three-game game, which would keep him out for the remainder of the season, with Tottenham to face Chelsea, Southampton and Newcastle in their final three league games.
Just 24 hours before the incident, Alli was named the PFA Young Player of the Year, for a fantastic debut season in the Premier League, in which he has netted ten league goals, and produced nine assists.
And Alli also managed to break into the England senior set-up, scoring a 25-yard strike on his debut against France, back in November.
But it seems the potential absence of Alli for the remainder of the season will make little difference, as Spurs dropped two points on Monday night, as Leicester go seven points clear at the top of the table, with three games remaining.
