Andros Townsend axed from Tottenham squad over lack of respect

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has banished Andros Townsend from the first team after the winger’s clash with a club fitness coach on Monday.

Townsend was pictured pushing and arguing with Spurs trainer Nathan Gardiner on the pitch at White Hart Lane following the team’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa.

The 24-year-old is yet to start a Barclays Premier League match this season and was an unused substitute against Villa, with Pochettino preferring to bring on Ryan Mason and 18-year-old Josh Onomah in the second half.

Townsend has since been banned from first team training and will not be part of the squad for Thursday night’s Europa League match at home to Anderlecht.

“He did not train with the group. He is not available to be selected tomorrow, he is not in the squad,” Pochettino said.

“It’s because of Monday. When you behave in the wrong way you always need to pay.

“It’s always my decision when he is available again to be part of the squad.

“Discipline for me is very important. I can understand the player – we have a young squad and a player can make a mistake – but when you cross the limit it is important to stop that.

“As a manager I am very fair but the discipline is very important. The staff need to show respect to the player and the player needs to show respect to the staff.”