Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli has defended Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling following a bad tackle from the winger in their game against each other on Sunday.
The City forward had possession of the ball and cut inside, but his touch was heavy which meant that Alli was going to win it back. In a desperate attempt to retain possession, Sterling went in for a tackle but missed the ball completely and instead planted his foot on Alli’s ankle (Sky Sports).
It could have seriously hurt the 23-year-old given the nature of the challenge, but fortunately, no long-term damage was done and he was ok to continue. Sterling wasn’t punished for the tackle with a red card, instead only picking up a yellow from referee Mike Dean.
Alli has been asked since the game for his thoughts on the tackle, but he has defended his England colleague. Indeed he suggested that there were no hard feelings between the two and that Sterling wouldn’t have done it intentionally as he isn’t someone who is malicious on the pitch (Football Daily via @LastWordOnSpurs).
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Plenty of Spurs fans have been reacting to Alli’s comments, with several praising his maturity in not holding any sort of grudge against Sterling and swiftly moving on from the situation. Here is what some had to say on Twitter…
Well said, it’s not what he should be concentrating on. Move on.
— Dele Albertz (@DeleAlbertz) February 3, 2020
Class
— incognito (@Jamilly121) February 3, 2020
@dele_official you are class
— Riggers (@dononerigby) February 3, 2020
Proper reaction. Spot on, case closed.
— Jack Goodman (@jgoodman23) February 3, 2020
Mature answer! Now needs to kick on and start getting some form again
— Shane Essam (@EssamShane) February 3, 2020
You’re good Dele very diplomatic
— Shirley (@shirleymillr63) February 3, 2020
Pure class from @dele_official
— Bryce Cathcart (@Brycecathcart) February 3, 2020
Spurs fans, should Raheem Sterling have been sent off for his challenge on Dele Alli? Let us know in the comments below…
