Expert: Eric Dier forced to ‘physically remove’ Tottenham opponent who ‘crossed a line’
Newcastle United “crossed a line” with their time-wasting against Tottenham.
That is according to Spurs expert John Wenham, who regularly breaks news about the club on his Lilywhite Rose social media channels.
Nick Pope, 30, was booked for time-wasting in the second half of his side’s 2-1 win over Tottenham on Sunday (23 October).
The stopper continued to take his time with goal kicks after his booking but Jarred Gillett showed no interest in issuing a second yellow.
Wenham was left furious with the Newcastle stopper and Callum Wilson as Tottenham failed to pick up a point.
“I was frustrated with some of the time-wasting and antics during that game. As a home supporter, you can feel like that.
“Newcastle fans will have felt that this season, I have no doubt about it. There were a few draws where I’m sure the fans felt that the other side were wasting time.
“The ball was in play for just 50 minutes from a 90-minute game of football. If the referee isn’t booking the goalkeeper until the 84th minute then goalkeepers are going to carry on doing it.
“Pope was time-wasting from the first 15 minutes. Then you have Callum Wilson taking nine hours to come off the pitch.
“I’m pleased Dier and a few others tried to physically remove him, I wish we saw more of that. Maybe Newcastle crossed a line but the ref was in no mood to do anything about it.”
Wilson and Miguel Almiron scored the goals for Newcastle in their win over Spurs.
The Toon are next in action against Aston Villa on Saturday (29 October).
In other news, Newcastle United has been mooted as a potential destination for Wilfried Zaha after a journalist’s transfer reveal.