Tottenham Hotspur managed to win 3-0 in extra time against lower division side Tamworth in the FA Cup third round, and while it had to be a straightforward game for the Lilywhites, it was not too lacking in drama with the North Londoners centre-back Radu Dragusin in the centre of it all. 

A game of rugby

The Romanian international was involved in a heated tussle with Tamworth’s Daniel Creaney during a second-half corner that escalated into what former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett described as actions more suited to rugby.

The incident happened inside the penalty area, and referee Peter Bankes handled it with an initial warning to both players and waited before handing out the yellow cards.

Hackett speaking to Tottenham News said:

“Grappling inside the penalty area is more about the game of rugby and certainly should not be allowed on the football field. Blocking, holding, pulling, pushing, and the referee going in and having a word of warning does not work. He should have issued a yellow card to both players.

“He did not – immediately after with similar holding he issued a yellow card to a member of both teams.“

Yet the incident didn’t end there; the hosts then appealed for a second yellow card after the former Genoa centre back was short with a foul on Creaney shortly thereafter. But Bankes didn’t dismiss the Romanian, instead booking Tom Tonks for his loud demands for a second yellow card in the 82nd minute, which only sparked further debate.

Dragusin needs to be more consistent

Even though the Lilywhites came out of the game with a win, this game should serve as a reminder for Daniel Levy that there is a defensive problem at N17 without the first-choice duo of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

And while defeat was hard-fought, there were moments of pride for Tamworth at The Lamb Ground.

More Tottenham Hotspur News:

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• “He is good enough…” – Club insider asks Tottenham to bring in 26yo forward who has struggled for game time
• “That is an option for Tottenham…” – Journalist backs Levy to move for defender that was once wanted by Conte at N17

And for Dragusin, he has had an inconsistent run of games where every now and then he does something that could cost Tottenham heavily – this needs to be changed if he is to get a regular place in Postecoglou’s starting eleven going forward.