Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has explained why he kissed midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur following his dismissal during Saturday’s Premier League clash against Manchester United. The De Zerbi Bentancur red card incident quickly became a talking point after the match.
According to ESPN, De Zerbi made the disclosure after Tottenham secured a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Bentancur entered the match in the 66th minute as a replacement for Lucas Bergvall. There was immediate tension due to the De Zerbi Bentancur red card that followed shortly after his introduction.
However, the Uruguayan midfielder received a straight red card just 12 minutes later following an altercation with Manchester United defender Luke Shaw.
The midfielder appeared to direct a headbutt towards Shaw, prompting the referee to dismiss him. Naturally, the De Zerbi Bentancur red card became a key moment in the Premier League fixture.
De Zerbi praises Tottenham’s fighting spirit
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, De Zerbi explained that he kissed Bentancur in the dressing room because he appreciated the team’s determination, even after the dramatic De Zerbi Bentancur red card incident.
“We have not accepted the defeat,” the Italian manager said.
He clarified that his gesture was not an endorsement of the red card but reflected the determination he wanted from his players.
Tottenham had fallen behind in the 73rd minute when Bryan Mbeumo scored for Manchester United after receiving a pass from Matheus Cunha.
However, Dominic Solanke equalised in the 92nd minute with a header, rescuing a point for the visitors.
Solanke praised his teammates for remaining competitive despite playing with 10 men.
The striker admitted that Tottenham had previously struggled to respond effectively when conceding goals.
De Zerbi also described the performance as an encouraging demonstration of team spirit.
The draw offered Tottenham a positive result despite Bentancur’s dismissal and the difficulties they encountered at Old Trafford.
