Poch defends Alli as Spurs man faces ban for punch

Matt Stead

Dele Alli could face retrospective action from the Football Association after punching Claudio Yacob on Monday.

Alli could face a retrospective three-match ban after the PFA Young Player of the Year punched West Brom midfielder Claudio Yacob in the stomach during the sides’ 1-1 draw on Monday.

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino believes Alli is becoming a target for opposition teams trying to wind him up.

The 20-year-old had been upended twice in the early stages by Yacob at White Hart Lane but his reaction could see him miss the rest of Tottenham’s campaign if found guilty of violent conduct.

It is not the first time Alli has landed himself in hot water this season.

He was lucky to escape punishment for throwing a ball in the face of Sunderland defender Patrick van Aanholt in January and then a month later he seemed to drag his feet over an opponent’s back against Fiorentina in the Europa League.

Pochettino admits the youngster has a competitive edge but also believes players are starting to provoke him.

“I hear some comments but I have no time to see the action,” said Pochettino of the incident with Yacob.

“Sometimes the opponent find him and try to provoke, they know he has a strong character and may react.

“I don’t know what has happened, we will see. I have nothing to comment now but Dele has a strong character if you wind him up.”