Paul Merson has slammed the behaviour of Tottenham Hotspur’s Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel.
Spurs held Chelsea to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening.
Harry Kane scored a last-minute equaliser for Tottenham in what was a tense contest, particularly on the sidelines.
Conte caused controversy by celebrating the Lilywhites’ first equaliser right in front of Tuchel and his backroom staff.
Just after the final whistle, the Italian manager and his German counterpart were embroiled in a heated post-match exchange, extending from a handshake in an incident which saw both coaches receive red cards.
And although Merson is a supporter of passion in football, the Sky Sports pundit has admitted that touchline rows infuriate him.
He told Sky Sports: “If you’re going to square up, why not have a massive fight for charity next week and raise millions of pounds? They won’t, and that’s what makes me sick. These managers squaring up against each other safe in the knowledge nothing is going to happen. I don’t mind the passion but draw the line at face-to-face confrontations, the game doesn’t need it, it does my head in.”
Conte v Tuchel
Merson might be a little harsh here, it has to be said.
After all, the Premier League celebrated and played up to individual hostilities like Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira and although it’s slightly different when it’s two middle-aged coaches, it is entertaining nonetheless.
As he mentioned, passion is certainly the optimum word and Chelsea’s return visit to Tottenham – and any other cup game that occurs between the two – will be a fascinating spectacle.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
