Sandro has revealed that he had to intervene to ensure that Benoit Assou-Ekotto did not hurt Rafael van der Vaart after the pair had a falling out at half-time.
The midfielder explained that the former Spurs left-back had been put on set-piece duty and he was not the sort of character that the players usually picked a fight with.
However, Van der Vaart decided to take the free-kick without seeking permission, which angered the Cameroonian, who did not hold back when the players went back into the dressing room at half-time.
The Brazilian explained that had he not held back Assou-Ekotto, he could have done damage to Van der Vaart, who later thanked him on the training ground.
Rafa van der Vaart vs Benoit Assou-Ekotto at Spurs
The 34-year-old recalled to Ladbrokes Fanzone (as relayed by The Daily Star): “Assou took this very personally. He was very upset because, to him, that was his ball – he was going to shoot.
“As a group of guys playing with him, generally, whenever Assou wanted to do something, we just left him to it… let him do it, you know?
“In this moment, he was mad. At half-time, we get into the dressing room and he’s punching Rafael! I tried to grab hold of him, he was so strong as well, so I’m grabbing, holding him and dragging him back because he’s trying to attack Rafa.
“[He’s saying] ‘why did you take the shot? Why did you do this? It’s my ball, my friend… you don’t take it! Next time, I kill you!’ He was so angry. The next day, we turn up to training and Van der Vaart comes over to me and says ‘Sandro, you saved my life… thank you very much’.”
Assou-Ekotto himself has previously mentioned that incident to The Athletic back in February 2022, admitting that he and the Dutchman put their differences behind them just a few days later and went on to become quite close.
Spurs Web Opinion
That Tottenham squad under Redknapp was my favourite as not only was the football enthralling to watch but the team was also full of characters and mavericks. While it is still early days, it seems like the current Spurs team could top that side for entertainment value.