Townsend in the dog box at Spurs

Posted Thursday, November 05, 2015 by Foxsports.com

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has axed Andros Townsend from his squad for a breach of discipline after the winger had a run-in with the fitness coach.

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has axed Andros Townsend from his squad for a breach of discipline after the winger had a run-in with the fitness coach.

The England international was involved in an argument with Nathan Gardiner after the 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Monday night, during the post-match warm-down.

Pochettino has subsequently taken action against Townsend, insisting he will not tolerate any show of disrespect towards a member of the club, although it does not spell the end of his career at White Hart Lane.

The 24-year-old is therefore unavailable for the Europa League clash against Anderlecht on Thursday and will be ineligible for selection until Pochettino deems otherwise.

"He did not train with the group and he is not available for selection tomorrow," the Argentine said in his pre-match press conference. "When you behave in the wrong way, obviously you need to pay.

"It's my decision when he is available again. For me, discipline is very important. We have a very young squad and they can make mistakes, but when you cross the limit it's important to stop that.

"As a manager I am very friendly, but discipline is very important between us and the staff. The staff need to show respect to the players and the players need to show respect to the staff."

Pochettino added: "He is still young. He has recognised he made a mistake. He has apologised. I can understand because I was a player and when you're not playing you are not happy.

"Sometimes your expectations are bigger than what your manager provides you, but it's not normal behaviour and he understands it's the not the way he needs to take to impress the manager.

"All players have a future. It's up to them to have a future here. Football can change quickly. He is in our squad because we believe in him and believe he can do very good things, but it's up to the player to show me I am wrong with my previous decisions."