Harry Kane has insisted Cardiff City midfielder Joe Ralls deserved to be sent off for a kick on Lucas Moura during Saturday’s 1-0 win at Wembley, despite Neil Warnock’s protests.
Tottenham edged past the Bluebirds thanks to Eric Dier’s early goal, although the hosts wasted plenty of chances to add to their advantage.
Midway through the second half, Ralls saw red for cynically taking Lucas out after the Brazilian had gone through on the right.
The challenge wasn’t your typical “take one for the team” incident – Ralls caught Lucas high up on his leg, something Kane wasn’t happy with.
The striker angrily approached Ralls immediately after the tackle, and Warnock believes Kane influenced the referee’s decision to show a red card.
“I don’t think he (Kane) needs to do that,” Warnock said (via Sky Sports). “He plays for England, I love him.
“I don’t think you should try to get other pros sent off, just because he’s had a poor game and Spurs were having a poor game.
“I thought Mike Dean, an experienced referee, was going to give a yellow card from the start. But he left it.
“There were one or two busy people around today, the linesman and the fourth official, and I’m sure one of those influenced them.
“I think when he looks tonight he would have given a yellow card nine times out of 10 if it was left to him. I think he was wrong.”
But Kane was adamant the referee and fourth official made their own minds up.
“He (Ralls) has kicked one of our players knee-height and the ref said to me that the fourth official helped him out, so it is what it is,” said the 25-year-old (via Sky Sports).
“I guess managers are going to get angry. It’s part of the game. But their player has looked at our player and he has kicked him higher than he ever should. So for me, it was a red card and the right decision.”
Cardiff had opportunities of their own to get back into the game but fine goalkeeping from Hugo Lloris and a last-ditch Toby Alderweireld interception retained Spurs’ lead.
The Londoners face West Ham United after the upcoming international break.
