Claudio Yacob has looked to quell the controversy around Dele Alli’s alleged punch in Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with West Brom on Monday night, saying he did not remember the incident.
Alli could miss the remainder of the season if the FA finds the PFA Young Player of the Year guilty of violent conduct after he appeared to hit Yacob in the stomach during the match at White Hart Lane. The 20-year-old has not yet been charged.
Yacob had been involved in two challenges with Alli in the game’s opening moments and the Spurs midfielder appeared to punch his opponent, though the West Brom player did not react.
“I don’t remember it,” Yacob told reporters. “It was nothing. What stays on the pitch…”
West Brom head coach Tony Pulis added: “Claudio mentioned the tackle from Dembele. Not the punch. If he got punched, who punched him?
“I haven’t seen it. I don’t think Yacob complained. He's a tough lad.”
Despite a remarkable debut season in the top flight Alli’s fiery temper has got the midfielder into trouble in recent months, with his manager Mauricio Pochettino admitting that opponents are targeting the 20-year-old.
Tottenham vs West Brom: Player Ratings
Alli has served two suspensions this season but avoided punishment in January when he threw a ball in the face of Sunderland defender Patrick van Aanholt.
