Andros Townsend: Tottenham winger banished from first-team after row with fitness coach

Townsend was pictured pushing Nathan Gardiner after the win against Aston Villa

(Getty Images)

Tottenham Hotspur winger Andros Townsend has been suspended by head coach Mauricio Pochettino and fined following a confrontation with the club’s fitness coach Nathan Gardiner on Monday night.

Townsend has had to train separately since then, will not be considered for this evening’s crucial Europa League match against Anderlecht, is unlikely to face Arsenal on Sunday and finds his future at White Hart Lane in severe doubt.

The England winger has grown frustrated with his lack of opportunities at Spurs this season, having started just three games. He was an unused substitute in the Premier League win over Aston Villa on Monday and clashed with Gardiner while warming down afterwards.

“Where there is an action, there is a consequence,” said Pochettino. “It is because of Monday. If you behave in the wrong way, you always need to pay. Discipline for me is very important. We have a young squad and the player made a mistake, and when you cross the limit it is important to stop that. I am friendly, but discipline is very important.”

Pochettino revealed that Townsend had apologised, but that in itself is not enough to bring him back into the squad yet. “He recognised that he made a mistake,” the head coach said. “You need to pay before the time to come back again with the team to train.”

There was some understanding from Pochettino, given Townsend’s frustration, but also a harsh lesson about what he expected. “I can understand because I was a player, and when you don’t play you are unhappy,” he said. “But it was not normal behaviour. He is young, and you need to understand that it isn’t the way to impress the manager. He needs to learn about football, about behaviour, about discipline, about a lot of things.

“Football is not only about taking the ball in your feet and playing. You have a responsibility as a professional.”

He insisted “all players have a future”, but it is hard to see Townsend’s time at Spurs lasting for much longer. Even before this suspension, he was considering leaving in pursuit of more first-team football.

Pochettino hopes to welcome striker Heung-min Son back for the Anderlecht game after a foot injury.