Tottenham expert slams ‘unforgivable’ decision’ as controversial footage analysed
Emerson Royal’s challenge on Gabriel Martinelli during Tottenham v Arsenal was “complete stupidity”.
That is according to Spurs insider John Wenham, who regularly breaks news about the club on his Lilywhite Rose social media channels.
Ten-man Tottenham lost 3-1 to Arsenal on Saturday (1 October).
Royal was sent off just after the hour mark for a late, studs-up challenge on Gabriel Martinelli and will now miss Spurs’ next three Premier League games.
Wenham was left fuming with the defender.
“Our position was made difficult by a really stupid decision from Emerson Royal,” Wenham told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“Unforgivable, actually, to do that. This wasn’t a player who was in on goal, last man sort of thing. It wasn’t a heated melee.
“It was complete stupidity to go in on Martinelli, heading away from goal in his own half. He gave the referee a decision to make.
“I don’t personally think it was a red card. It was a bit worse than a yellow. It would have been fine if the referee gave a yellow and a proper telling-off.
“One where it is clear that he will be off if anything else happens. It happens in games, players are put on an absolute last warning.
“The game was basically lost from that point.“
Tottenham are next in action against Frankfurt on Tuesday (4 October).
Spurs remain third in the league ahead of next weekend’s game against Brighton (8 October).
In other news, Tottenham idol issues emphatic Antonio Conte verdict after ‘incredible’ update via Sky.