Gennaro Gattuso's Agent Accuses Joe Jordan Of Provocation

Claudio Pasqualin (Gennaro Gattuso's agent) has accused Tottenham Hotspur coach Joe Jordan of provoking his client to headbutt the latter.

The accusation comes in light of an UEFA investigation against Gattuso for head-butting Jordan after the end of the UEFA Champions League match between the Spurs and AC Milan.

According to Pasqualin, Jordan used anti-Italian slurs with expletives. The end result was that Gattuso headbutted Jordan.

Harry Redknapp (the Spurs manager) has denied the accusations initiated by Pasqualin against Jordan. He stated that "Joe (Jordan) never said anything" and said that Gattuso apologized.

He declared that Pasqualin might be using "the race card" in this "episode" which marred a great match.

While reading different versions of what transpired, the possibility exists that it could have happened. Unfortunatly, the lawyer for Gattuso spoke after his client already admitted that he was at fault.

Gattuso admitted that he is also willing to take any punishment (including a ban) from UEFA. If Gattuso had remained silent, he may have had a chance to avoid whatever consequences ensue.

Pasqualin also spoke after the videos showed Gattuso almost in a choking position with Jordan and then the headbutt.

Before thinking otherwise, I would have to see videos of what transpired during the match. Regardless, Gattuso's behavior was uncalled for. The same applies for Flamini for his tackle against Corluka.

I think UEFA will punish Gattuso for what has happened. They should also punish Flamini for his actions.

The punishments may not resolve most of the problems, but it would make a bold statement that violence will not be tolerated in sports.