Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has claimed that opponents try to "provoke" Dele Alli, who appeared to punch Claudio Yacob during last night's match against West Bromwich Albion.
The midfielder was caught on cameras appearing to punch Yacob in the stomach during the 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane.
The referee did not spot the incident, meaning that the Football Association could enforce a three-match ban on Alli for violent conduct.
After the match, when Pochettino was asked about the 'punch', he told reporters: "I hear some comments but I have no time to see the action. Sometimes the opponent find him and try to provoke, they know he has a strong character and may react.
"I don't know what has happened, we will see. I have nothing to comment now but Dele has a strong character if you wind him up."
The 20-year-old was named PFA Young Player of the Year on Sunday night.
