Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou lashes out at reporter after rage admission - 'Stop asking me'
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Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou delivered an explosive post-match response following his side's 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United, declaring he was "as angry as I have ever been in my career."
The furious Australian boss repeatedly insisted Spurs would have won "if things were equal" after a controversial equaliser from Anthony Gordon was allowed to stand despite claims of a handball by Joelinton in the build-up.
In a tense four-minute press conference, Postecoglou struggled to contain his rage over the officiating decisions.
Dominic Solanke had given Spurs an early lead with a diving header in the fourth minute.
Ange Postecoglou was furious after a particular line of questioning
TNT Sports
Just two minutes later, Gordon equalised for Newcastle, but the goal sparked immediate controversy as Joelinton appeared to handle the ball before the strike.
The Premier League later clarified that Joelinton's hands were deemed to be by his sides during the incident.
Alexander Isak then scored what proved to be the winning goal for Newcastle shortly before half-time.
"I am angry as I have ever been in my career," Postecoglou told journalists, refusing to be drawn directly on the controversial decisions.
"If all things were equal and balanced we would have won today," he repeated throughout the press conference.
When pressed for clarity on what wasn't equal, Postecoglou snapped: "You can talk about whatever you want.
"You want my opinion - if all things were equal and balanced we would have won."
The Spurs boss bristled when reporters continued to question him about the decisions, stating: "I know what you want me to say so stop asking."
Postecoglou's fury came amid a severe squad crisis at Tottenham, with ten players sidelined through injury and illness.
Newcastle equalised controversially through Anthony Gordon against Tottenham
Reuters
Third-choice goalkeeper Brandon Austin made his debut for the club after Fraser Forster was ruled out through sickness.
Centre-back Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray had to get "off sickbeds to play," according to Postecoglou, with Dragusin "shattered at half-time" and unable to continue.
"On Thursday, we literally had 11 fit players for training," revealed the Spurs manager.
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Tottenham were furious with the refereeing decisions
Reuters
Despite his anger over the decisions, Postecoglou expressed immense pride in his depleted team's performance.
"I'm shattered the boys didn't get the rewards they deserved because we were outstanding, our football was outstanding against a very good opponent," he said.
"We had plenty of chances. Our football was outstanding considering everything we're going through," the Tottenham manager added.
"I couldn't be prouder of the players. I couldn't ask any more," he concluded.
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