Antonio Conte ‘had ANOTHER bust-up in tunnel with Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic that led to huge row with Tottenham staff’
ANTONIO CONTE reportedly barged into Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic as he walked down the tunnel after Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea.
The game ended in heated circumstances as Conte clashed with Thomas Tuchel over their full-time handshake.
A fired up Conte is said to have barged into injured Blues midfielder Kovavic, who did not take part in the match.
That led the Croatian to argue with members of the Spurs backroom staff – who also had to split Conte apart from Tuchel during the match.
Both managers received yellow cards for coming face-to-face after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s goal.
Referee Anthony Taylor then brandished red cards to both managers for their full-time antics which sparked a mass brawl.
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It came after Harry Kane equalised in the final minute to allow Tottenham to escape with a point.
But Tuchel felt that goal should not have stood due to Christian Romero’s hair pull on Marc Cucurella.
Spurs’ first goal also came in controversial circumstances as Tuchel felt Kai Havertz was fouled by Rodrigo Bentancur in the build-up.
The German seemed most upset by Conte’s failure to look him in the eye during their handshake, leading him to hold onto the Italian’s hand for longer than necessary which sparked another confrontation.
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Conte refused to speak about the handshake incident, saying in his post-match interview: “In my opinion, it’s better to talk about the game. It was an exciting game, a difficult game for both teams, but you know we want to try in every game to be competitive.
“I think Chelsea showed today they are a really good team. But compared to last season we did a bit well than last season.
“No, but I repeat I don’t want to comment on the situation. It’s not the most important thing. If there’s a problem. it’s between me and him.
“Speak about the game, not about the situation. We are here to speak about football, not the situation between the two coaches.
Meanwhile, Tuchel said: “I thought when we shake hands you looked in each other eyes. He had a different opinion. It was not necessary but a lot of things were not necessary.
“We both got a red card. I think it was not necessary. Another poor referee decision.
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“No problem. It’s emotional, it’s football, it’s the game, it’s the Premier League. You love it, we are emotional on the touchline.
“If we meet, we meet. It’s between a football match, it’s men (and) two competitors.”