Antonio Conte admits he did not see whether Dejan Kulusevski deserved a red card during Tottenham’s defeat to Brighton.
The Seagulls sealed a 1-0 win over Conte’s men on Saturday courtesy of Leandro Trossard’s poked finish late into the second half.
Spurs, despite riding on a wave of strong recent performance, failed to get going in North London as Brighton prevented them from having a single shot on Robert Sanchez’s goal.
The visitors also managed to keep in-form winger Kulusevski very quiet throughout, although the Swede was fortunate to avoid being dismissed earlier in the encounter.
The 21-year-old lashed out an elbow in the direction of Cucurella before the half-hour mark, but referee Craig Pawson deemed the incident worthy of just a yellow card.
Conte was pressed on his verdict on Kulusevski escaping a red, but the Italian coach admits he did not have a clear view of the incident.
He also insisted Brighton could have had a sending off themselves after a number of heavy challenges from the already cautioned Enock Mwepu went unpunished.
He said (via Football.London): “Honestly I didn’t see, but for sure I’m going to see what happened. I think maybe also during the game other players deserved the second yellow, but Brighton.
“But I think the referee, he decided in this way. But I repeat we have to accept the decision of the referee.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Regardless or no contact being made, Kulusevski was very lucky that he was not shown a red card given his intent.
He is young and has a lot to learn still, but that should not have been his first instinct when being involved in a tussle with a tricky full-back.