Spurs boss backing Dele Alli

MAURICIO Pochettino launched a passionate defence of Dele Alli, despite the midfielder’s horror tackle (above) costing Tottenham dear in the Europa League.

Alli was sent off as Spurs were held to a 2-2 draw against Gent at Wembley, which meant Pochettino’s men lost the tie 3-2 on aggregate and crashed out in the last 32.

Alli’s mad moment came when he thrust his right foot into the shin of Brecht Dejaegere.

Jeremy Perbet’s late goal sealed Gent victory.

“He is very disappointed and sad,” Pochettino said of Alli. “He knows he made a mistake. Now he tries to move on and improve. In future we must avoid that situation.”