Villas-Boas slams Lazio abuse

Andre Villas-Boas has called on UEFA to investigate anti-Semitic chanting by Lazio’s supporters during the 0-0 draw with Tottenham.

Less than 24 hours after 10 Spurs fans were attacked in a Rome pub – causing one to be hospitalised – sections of the home fans at the Stadio Olimpico were heard making derogatory reference to Tottenham’s traditionally Jewish supporter base.

Lazio were handed a 32,000-pound fine after their fans were heard imitating monkeys during the September Europa League tie between the two clubs, abuse directed at Tottenham’s black players, and Villas-Boas is looking for further punishment on this occasion.

“It will take another investigation,” the Spurs manager said.

“It happened last time and it was acted upon quickly by UEFA. We will have to wait and see if there is anything to act upon. If there is UEFA has to act.”

Turning his attention to matters on the field, Villas-Boas conceded Lazio were the superior side throughout and rued Gareth Bale’s opener being incorrectly ruled offside.

“It was a difficult game in terms of possession and Lazio put us under serious pressure,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“We started well, but towards the end of the first half we suffered a lot. They did very well. I think the draw is a good result for us.

“Gareth Bale’s goal should not have been disallowed, just like the in the game at White Hart Lane.”

Tottenham had goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to thank for returning to England with a point after the France international pulled off a string of impressive saves – notably a point-blank stop from a Lazio corner as the game entered stoppage time.

And Villas-Boas hailed the performance of his close-season signing, who was enjoying a second consecutive appearance for the first time since October 7.

He told the club’s official website: “Hugo was extremely good, that is what we expect and he was extremely good.”