Tottenham’s interim boss, Cristian Stellini, has revealed that he was sent off during the club’s 2-1 win against Brighton as he failed to control his coaching staff, who reacted to what he described as “aggressiveness” from the Brighton bench. The fiery encounter saw both benches exchange heated words after the Seagulls had two goals ruled out by VAR. Stellini clashed three times with counterpart Roberto De Zerbi, resulting in both managers being sent off. Harry Kane fired home a late winner for Spurs, boosting their top four hopes.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT’s Ian Danter about his red card, Stellini said that he was not confused about being sent off as the rules state that he has to manage the bench. He added that sometimes he can control the bench, and sometimes he cannot, and that in that moment, they felt aggressiveness from the other bench. He clarified that he was sent off for failing to control his coaching staff, stating that it is his job to manage the bench and if he does not do it, the referee might think he has to do something different.
Commenting on De Zerbi wagging his finger in his face prior to the kick-off, Stellini remarked that it was nothing in particular and that he wants to give respect to all the managers in the Premier League. In his own interview with talkSPORT, De Zerbi said of his red card that he is usually respectful to everyone and wants the same from other people to him. He added that during the game, he never put any pressure on the referee and when he saw the other bench put pressure on the referee, he did not like it because it is not right.
The result has seen Spurs maintain their hopes of finishing in the top four, as they sit just three points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.