Andros Townsend Fined and Axed from Tottenham Squad by Mauricio Pochettino

Tottenham Hotspur winger Andros Townsend has been fined and axed from the first-team squad for Thursday’s clash with Anderlecht after a run-in with the club fitness coach.

According to Tom Collomosse of the London Evening Standard, the England international was seen having a set-to with Nathan Gardiner during the warm-down after Monday’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa. 

“Because of [the incident on] Monday, he is not available for selection,” confirmed manager Mauricio Pochettino, per Collomosse. “When you behave in the wrong way, you always need to pay. Discipline is very important to me.”

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Pochettino declined to confirm whether or not Townsend will be back in contention for this weekend’s game with north London rivals Arsenal, although the coach did reveal the player has recognised he made an error of judgement.

It’s been a frustrating campaign for the winger. The 24-year-old has yet to start a Premier League game, playing just 64 minutes in three substitute appearances. According to Dominic Fifield of the Guardian, Townsend is now likely to seek a move away from White Hart Lane in the January transfer window, with Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Southampton all said to be keen.