Skopje –
Jose Mourinho uncovers anomalies before the Shkendija vs. Tottenham Hotspur. Mourinho asked for the goal to be replaced because it was smaller than standard.
Tottenham travel to North Macedonia to face Shkendija in the third qualifying round Europa League. Compete at the Tose Proeski Arena Stadium, Friday (9/25/2020) early morning WIB, The Lilywhites won 3-1.
Erik Lamela gave Tottenham a quick lead through his goal in the fifth minute. However, Shkendija then scored a goal back through Valmir Nafiu in the 55th minute.
Tottenham finally won thanks to additional goals from Son Heung-min and Harry Kane in the last 20 minutes of the match. This victory led Tottenham to qualify for the play-offs and will face Macabi Haifa.
Jose Mourinho reveals a funny incident before the match. The Portuguese manager realized the goal in the field was too small after receiving a report from Tottenham’s goalkeepers.
Mourinho uploaded a photo on his social media account. He looked almost to touch the crossbar with his hand, while Hugo Lloris easily grabbed the top of the net.
Mourinho then reported to UEFA officials and they confirmed that the net was 5 cm lower. Mourinho also asked for the goal to be replaced.
“Before the match there was a funny situation because my goalkeeper said that the net was small,” Mourinho said as reported Sky Sports.
“I checked it myself and of course the net is small. Goalkeepers, they spend hours in goal so they know the goal is not the right size.”
“I’m not a goalkeeper, but I know football since childhood and I know when I stand there and spread my arms and I know the distance, so I immediately felt that something was wrong.”
“We asked the UEFA delegation to confirm and yes, it was 5 cm smaller, which of course then we asked that the net be replaced with the correct size,” he said.
There is no suspicion of cheating from Shkendija. This is because the stadium used in the match is not Shkendija’s cage.
(nds/mrp)
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