Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino said he was 'very disappointed' by the three pitch invasions at the Lane

Published: 28 November, 2014
by PAUL COWLING at White Hart Lane

Europa League: Group C
SPURS 1, PARTIZAN BELGRADE 0

TOTTENHAM are likely to face a Uefa investigation after their safe passage through to the knockout stages of the Europa League was overshadowed by “unacceptable” pitch invaders last night (Thursday).

Three pitch intruders were arrested after interrupting the match against Partizan Belgrade at White Hart Lane in separate incidents which all occurred during the first half, with the third leading to a 10-minute suspension in the match.

One of the unwanted visitors attempted to take "selfies" with Spurs players before security guards ejected him, while the latter two were stopped in their tracks by Roberto Soldado and Mousa Dembele – both of whom may now face repercussions for involving themselves in the fiasco.

A club statement released by Spurs read: "Three pitch invaders have been arrested and are assisting police with their enquiries. We apologise to fans for the disruptions caused by this totally unacceptable behaviour.”

The unusual scenes marred what was a good night for Mauricio Pochettino's side, who won 1-0 thanks to an impressive strike from Benjamin Stambouli.

After the match, Pochettino preferred to talk about the match, though he did say he “was very disappointed” by the three pitch invasions.

"I am very pleased for the team,” said the Spurs boss. “It was a difficult first half, but it was better in the second half, and we created more chances and really deserved a second goal.”

Stambouli finally unlocked the Partizan door in the 49th minute, following up a Soldado shot that had cannoned off the visitors' left-hand post.

Spurs could, and should, have scored a second. Aaron Lennon flicked on for Soldado in the 55th minute, but the Spaniard lacked poise in front of goal, and his effort was easily smothered by Milan Lukac in the visitors' goal.

In injury time, the lively Erik Lamela saw his goal-bound effort tipped over the bar by Lukac. There was even time for the referee to slip over and lose his free-kick spray, which remained on the grass until he blew for the end of a controversial match.

Pochettino will be mindful of Uefa sanctions, but said he was focused on the visit of Everton on Sunday. “The Europa League is not a distraction,” he said. “It is always difficult to play on Sunday after Europe. But it is the same for Everton, who were playing on the same night in Germany.

“We need to adapt and be focused.”

SPURS: Lloris, Naughton, Chiriches, Vertonghen, Davies, Stambouli, Dembele (Bentaleb, 55), Lennon, Paulinho (Winks, 86), Lamela, Soldado (Kane, 65)
Subs not used: Vorm, Dier, Eriksen, Ball.
Attendance: 28,362.