Danny Rose admitted he was lucky not to be sent off on an eventful afternoon in Stoke.
The full-back netted his first goal for Tottenham in four years to earn the visitors a 1-0 victory but became the target of the Stoke fans' ire after Ryan Shawcross was sent off early in the second half.
The full-back was subjected to relentless jeering and reacted to a challenge from Geoff Cameron by pushing the Stoke man in the chest with both hands.
His game ended soon after, with Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood substituting Rose and sending him straight to the dressing room to cool off.
Stoke manager Mark Hughes was furious Rose was only shown a yellow card by referee Andre Marriner, and the 23-year-old accepted he might have seen red in more ways than one.
Rose said: "I don't mind people booing me but I did lose my head for 10 seconds. It was because of the bad tackle but nothing to do with the fans.
"I never want to hide but taking me off was the right thing for the manager to do. And reacting like I did was the wrong thing. I think I'm lucky not to get sent off."
The fans seemed to think Rose made too much of the challenge from Shawcross, although replays showed the Stoke player clearly made contact with his opponent's shin.
Referee Andre Marriner initially played on before deciding to give both a free-kick and a second yellow card, much to the annoyance of Hughes.
Rose said: "I didn't fake it, he did catch me through the shin pads. At first the referee didn't give it and I don't know why he changed his mind.
"It was the right decision but I don't think he realised he had already booked Shawcross in the first half."
It was nevertheless a good day for Rose, who had not scored for Tottenham since his spectacular strike against Arsenal four years ago.
The full-back believes Spurs can overhaul fifth-placed Everton, who sit three points ahead of them, while fourth place is not completely out of the question.
"It was about time I started chipping in with a few more assists and goals," said Rose.
"The management team spoke to me last week and said I should be doing more up the pitch. It was nice I scored and even better we held out for a big three points.
"The goal could be massive. Everton slipped up and I think they still have to play Man City. We want to finish the season on a high and we have two winnable games."
It was only Stoke's third home defeat in the league this season and ended their hopes of winning five Premier League home games in a row for the first time.
But defender Marc Muniesa's thoughts were on matters more important than wins and losses.
Muniesa joined Stoke last summer from Barcelona, the club he first represented at the age of 10.
The defender worked closely with coach Tito Vilanova, who died from cancer on Friday aged 45.
Muniesa said: "On Friday I was in shock, it was difficult for me, he was my first coach at Barcelona - him and (Pep) Guardiola. Because of them I am now playing in the Premier League.
"He was a really good man, a man who knows a lot about football. He died but his memory will be with Barcelona and the fans and the football.
"He was a big influence on the way I play; he liked to play football and keep the ball. I learned so much from him.
"Before the game I wanted to play well for me first, but then for him and for his family. I think I did well for him. "
Muniesa made his first start since February 8 at left-back and then moved into the centre of defence after Shawcross' sending off.
The 22-year-old Spaniard is now in pole position to take Shawcross' place against Fulham next weekend, with the captain's hopes of an ever-present season dashed at the last.
Muniesa said: "Ryan is the captain and one of the best defenders in the league, so it's difficult to play without him, but we responded very well.
"I'm ready for this big chance, but the coach will decide. We have other players who can come in for Ryan. All the players have to be ready."
Source: PA
