Ange Postecoglou responds to Ben White targeting Guglielmo Vicario during Tottenham defeat to Arsenal

Ben White tampered with Guglielmo Vicario’s gloves before Arsenal’s opening goal against Tottenham (Sky Sports)

Ange Postecoglou has played down the severity of Ben White tampering with Guglielmo Vicario’s gloves during Tottenham’s defeat to Arsenal in the north London derby.

Shortly before Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s own goal put Arsenal ahead on Sunday, White was spotted trying to undo the Velcro on Vicario’s glove as Bukayo Saka prepared to take the corner.

White then targeted Vicario for Arsenal’s third goal before half time as he nudged into the Tottenham goalkeeper before Kai Havertz met Declan Rice’s corner with a free header.

‘It’s a strategy. You can label it but it’s a strategy. I don’t take a lot of interest in that stuff, never have,’ said Postecoglou.

‘I’m not casting judgement, but I just don’t really care. If people are going to think that’s going to give them an advantage or whatever, I just don’t worry about that stuff. I just try to focus on building teams that win things.’

When asked if he felt Vicario was distracted by White, Postecoglou said: ‘You know what? If it’s not going to be that then it’s going to be something else. Who cares? I know it’s great theatre. Whether he’s trying to undo his glove, tickle his armpit, or whatever, I don’t care. I try to get my players not to worry about that stuff, not focus on that stuff.

‘It’s not important and if you want to go down that avenue, what’s he supposed to do? Turn around and throw a punch and knock him out or say, ‘please don’t touch me’. What does that do? Seriously, we’re not in the school yard. It’s never been where my focus lies.

‘To be honest, if I saw one of my players do it I’d be saying, ‘mate, seriously, get the ball and play some football’. That doesn’t mean it’s not a strategy that can’t be used but I just don’t care about it. Makes no impact on me.’

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Spurs have now asked for clarity from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited [PGMOL] on the rules around obstructing goalkeepers

‘You’re allowed to reach out to them [the PGMOL]. They’re not a hidden society. I’m sure all the clubs do. We seek clarification in case certain things have changed,’ said Postecoglou.

‘You never know. We just wanted some clarity on what the actual position is on interference on the goalkeeper.

‘I’m ancient, mate, but I always thought that the goalkeeper was a bit of a protected species. Maybe that’s shifted now and I missed the memo.’

Asked if Spurs had received clarity from the PGMOL, Postecoglou replied: ‘No, not really.’

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