Tottenham Hotspur Football Club News

• Nickname:Spurs
• Founded:1882
• Manager:Harry Redknapp

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Defoe makes his defence

23 Oct 2006 - 13:23:28

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Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has defended himself over the growing furore surrounding his bite on West Ham midfielder Javier Mascherano on Sunday.

Defoe reacted angrily to being chopped down by the Argentina hardman and sunk his teeth into Mascherano's arm, an action that sparked a melee involving several players from both sides.

A statement from Defoe read: "This has been blown out of all proportion.

"The referee was standing right over me and if he felt I had done anything bad he would have sent me off.

"The incident doesn't look great on TV and I accept that, as a role model to kids, I have a responsibility to conduct myself in the right way, which I always try to do on and off the pitch."

Spurs head coach Martin Jol had earlier claimed that Defoe was being playful, saying: "He was nibbling his arm, there will be no mark. Ask Mascherano if he has got a mark.

"It is part of the game. They kicked him three times from behind in ten minutes and he wanted to show his frustration in a nice, comical way."