Villas-Boas: Tettey deserved yellow card

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has slammed Norwich’s Alexander Tettey for his attempted tackle on Gareth Bale in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw.

Trailing 1-0 at Carrow Road, Tottenham equalised through Bale in the 80th minute with the Welsh winger producing a blistering run from his own half before cutting onto his left foot and shooting high into the net.

While Villas Boas was thrilled with the goal, he was scathing in his review of Tettey’s attempted challenge on Bale in the lead-up to the equaliser.

“It was a great goal,” Villas-Boas said.

“He was extremely lucky to avoid Tettey’s challenge, which could have broken his ankle.

“It’s disappointing that the referee did not give a yellow or red card after the incident.

“I’ve spoken to the ref and I’m extremely disappointed with his game.

“I think you have to protect the unpredictability and passion of the game but you have to be aware that people go over the top.

“If he had made contact with Gareth’s ankle you have an injury that keeps him out for six months and you have a player who has to continue to receive insults about his reputation (for diving), which I think is extremely insulting.”

Villas-Boas was also pleased with the performance of Lewis Holtby after the former Schalke midfielder made his debut off the bench for Tottenham in the second half.

“I think he’s an excellent addition,” Villas-Boas said.

“He was extremely comfortable and it’s always very difficult (for) players to come into this league.”

While Norwich manager Chris Hughton argued his team had looked fairly comfortable up until Bale’s equaliser, the 54-year-old conceded he was happy to take a point.

“At that stage (Bale’s goal) you settle for the draw because they’ve got a little bit of momentum at that stage and certainly…you don’t want to lose the game,” Hughton said.

Hughton added he is interested in adding to Norwich’s Leeds United connection by bringing in Argentine striker Luciano Becchio, while also confirming Celtic marksman Gary Hooper is a transfer target.

If Becchio signs, he would join former Leeds players Bradley Johnson, Jonny Howson and Robert Snodgrass at Norwich.

The clubs are in discussion and that is one I hope gets done,” Hughton told reporters in his post-match press conference.

“Whether Steve Morison has to be part of the deal or not, I don’t know, but that is the way the talks are going,” Hughton said

“All I know is we are in discussions with Leeds. We hope that can be concluded.”