Tensions soared as Dejan Kulusevski had to be restrained by teammates after attempting to confront referee Michael Salisbury in the aftermath of Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat against West Ham.
Spurs initially led with Romero’s first-half goal, but West Ham mounted a comeback, clinching victory with two second-half goals, marking Tottenham’s fourth loss in five matches.
Kulusevski’s furious reaction stemmed from an incident during the game where despite being caught by an elbow from Lucas Paqueta, he was booked while the Brazilian went unpunished.
The Swedish player’s dissatisfaction could be seen at full-time, as teammates Destiny Udogie and Richarlison physically intervened and pulled him back, preventing a direct confrontation with the match official and a possible punishment from the FA.
Watch the incident below:
Richarlison calming Kulusevski down, he’s a changed man pic.twitter.com/xjlip58E32
— 🏴🇩🇪 (@thfc_MatthewSZN) December 7, 2023
Dejan Kulusevski has to be restrained by Richarlison from angrily approaching the ref at the end of the game after he felt the force of Pacqueta's elbow.#beINPL #THFC #WHUFC pic.twitter.com/U6YbU6lHQG
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) December 7, 2023
Good move by Richarlison to spare his friend Kulusevski from penaltiespic.twitter.com/nA6xVDnfQo
— Ridha Ben yahiya (@RidhaYahiya) December 8, 2023
