Spurs star claims there was no need for referee to send off Conte and Tuchel

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has claimed that Anthony Taylor did not need to send off Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte for their post-match altercation.

The two managers squared off during their post-match handshake and had to be separated, with Taylor brandishing straight red cards to both the German and the Italian.

Football.London’s Alasdair Gold has predicted that Tottenham are expected to appeal Conte’s red card, given that the Spurs boss was merely shouting at Tuchel to let go of his hand.

Hojbjerg believes the squabble between the two managers was not a red card offence. The Dane told The Evening Standard about the incident: “I think in this case the officials could have said, ‘Okay, no need for cards’ after the finish. And just leave it a bit.

“It’s difficult to comment on decisions but I didn’t think it was necessary for the officials to be giving red cards after the game.”

When asked about Conte’s energy and passion on the touchline, Hojbjerg responded: “It’s his personality and something as a player you know he brings. It’s important.”

While Tottenham were not at their best at Stamford Bridge, it was arguably the strength of their squad that allowed them to salvage a point.

The likes of Ivan Perisic, Yves Bissouma, Lucas Moura, and Richarlison made an impact after coming on in the second half and Hojbjerg admitted that the increased competition for places is keeping everyone on their toes.

The former Southampton man added: “If you want to be a top, top team, you have to have two players that can contribute in every position.

“That’s what I learned when I grew up in [Bayern] Munich in my early years in professional football. They had minimum two players in every position. And it makes everyone stay on their toes.”

On Tottenham’s performance and result, Hojbjerg said: “I think we’re in a good way but, without being too pessimistic, it’s difficult for me to celebrate a draw. But if you don’t win, they don’t win.

“This is something we take with us and the way we came back I thought was fantastic. And then to give the fans something to celebrate is sweet for the heart.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I would be surprised if Conte gets a stadium ban for the clash against Wolves. Even if the red card is not rescinded, I expect the punishment to be reduced to a touchline ban for the Italian rather than a stadium one, as Tuchel was clearly the instigator.

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