'He's slightly unlucky' - Roy Keane defends Spurs defender after his arm re-arranges Mario Gotze's teeth
Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur and Mario Gotze of Borussia Dortmund battle for possession during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Roy Keane believes Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen was unfortunate to be sent off in Wednesday night's Champions League tie at Wembley, even though his flailing arm left against Borussia Dortmund's Mario Gotze needing dental work to repair his teeth.
Keane, who rarely shirked a challenge during his magnificent playing career, was quick to suggest Vertonghen was 'harshly treated' as he was dismissed following his clash with Gotze, as he offered these views to ITV Sport.
"I think he was slightly unlucky," declared Keane before the extent of Gotze's injuries were confirmed. "He has not punched him and I think he used his arm for balance."
Vertonghen backed up Keane's sentiments, as he summed up his sense of injustice after the dismissal that rules him out of Tottenham's next Champions League game against APOEL Nicosia.
"I thought it was the wrong decision by the referee. Even Dortmund’s players were surprised," stated Vertonghen.
"Somebody ran into my arm, yet I got a red card. I had absolutely no intention to hit my opponent. It wasn’t a blemish on the game for me. I feel positive about the whole match."
Whether it was an accident or not, Dortmund coach Peter Bosz confirmed his star man is in need of some cosmetic repairs: "Mario has a problem with his teeth and will need to go to the dentist.
"It does not look good for him. Some of his teeth are no longer in their proper places. It is painful simply for me to talk about it."
Too painful for some, perhaps, but you suspect Keano may not have been too concerned by such a minor injury if he has been on the receiving end.
