Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Andros Townsend will play no part in Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League match against Anderlecht after being involved in an incident with a member of the club staff.
According to reports, the England international has been overlooked for Thursday’s matchday squad as a disciplinary measure following an issue with the club’s fitness coach.
Images have been revealed which show Townsend having an altercation with Nathan Gardiner, a member of Pochettino’s backroom staff, on the pitch after Monday’s 3-1 victory over Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Mousa Dembele, Dele Alli and Harry Kane scored the goals as Spurs continued their undefeated streak, but the win has been followed by some unwanted controversy at White Hart Lane.
“When you behave in the wrong way, you need to pay,” Pochettino told a news conference, as per Reuters.
“Because of Monday he is not available for selection,” he continued.”I can understand because I was a player and when you don’t play you are not happy.
“But it’s not normal behaviour, not the way to impress the manager.
“He has a future here. We believe in him and believe he can give us very good things.”
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Despite his comments, Pochettino’s decision raises future doubt about whether the wideman has a long-term future at the club. He was in and out of the side under the former Southampton manager last season and was tipped for a move away during the summer.
The 24-year-old has made just three substitute appearances so far in the EPL this term—all as substitutes—but has been a more regular contributor in Europe, playing for 168 minutes over two starts and one outing from the bench.