Kane and family ‘furious’ over jokes, claim ‘bullying’

Harry Kane and his family are ‘furious’ over the continued jokes at the Tottenham striker’s expense.

Kane has been subjected to all of the banter after swearing on his daughter’s life that he got the final touch on a goal against Stoke earlier this month. He has made himself a World Cup scapegoat.

Tottenham and Kane successfully appealed to have the goal awarded to the striker, who is chasing Mohamed Salah in the race to win the Premier League’s Golden Boot.

But the decision has somewhat backfired, with Kane ridiculed by even the FA’s official Twitter account.

They have since apologised for a tweet which suggested that Chris Smalling had pocketed the 24-year-old during the FA Cup semi-final, but the Daily Mirror claim that Kane and his family are ‘furious’ over the jibes.

It is understood that PFA chairman Ben Purkiss could be ‘forced out’ of the organisation as he is refusing to apologise for a joke at Kane’s expense at the recent PFA awards.

Purkiss’s speech included the line: “Harry Kane is so prolific that he is able to score without touching the ball.”

Purkiss has been involved in an ‘escalating row’ since, but argues that there is no need to apologise publicly as he has already said sorry to Kane in private.

“The facts are I personally spoke to Harry Kane. I explained I was complimenting him on his achievements, how he went on loan before being such a success at Tottenham and my comments were complimentary.

“During my speech I made reference to the fantastic achievements of our members. I spoke about the adversity footballers at all levels face. I referenced some of the nominees for the PFA Men’s award.

“I referenced Harry Kane and spoke about my admiration for his success he achieved after his loan spells away from White Hart Lane. I said that he was so good he could score without touching the ball. I know for a fact he touched the ball. He was credited with the goal by an independent panel.

“I was joking at how ridiculous the coverage was as he is such a talented footballer. I contacted Harry to explain my comments and he stated that he had not taken offence to my comments.”

The Mirror add that Kane ‘is known to be upset by the lack of respect’ shown towards him, while he and his family believe he has become a victim of ‘a form of bullying’.

Those at the PFA awards dinner were said to be ‘mortified’ by Purkiss’s joke, and how the PFA were left ’embarrassed’ by the jibe.

The PFA have since released a statement: ‘In response to recent media coverage we can confirm that no complaints have been received by the PFA from Harry Kane, Harry’s representatives or Harry’s family.  At no point has any party demanded an apology.

‘Out of courtesy our Chairman Ben Purkiss contacted Harry personally to explain that the comment had been taken out of context. Harry has not expressed any concern at all about any comments and appreciated the joke. Furthermore Harry was categorically not at the event. We hope this brings an end to all the widespread inaccuracies. All concerned would now like to draw a line under this matter and move on.’