'One of the stupidest red cards this season': Son Heung-min given marching orders as Spurs lose

4 May, 2019 13:56 / Updated 6 years ago

Tottenham's Son Heung Min was shown a straight red card for shoving Bournemouth's Jefferson Lerma as Spurs lost 1-0 to a stoppage time Nathan Ake goal on Saturday, to leave doubt over their automatic Champions League qualification

Son was the star for Tottenham in their Champions League quarter final against Premier League leaders Manchester City, scoring the only goal of the first leg in London and then bagging a brace in the return fixture as Spurs progressed 4-4 on away goals. 

The South Korean could do nothing to stop his team going down 1-0 to a classy Ajax side on Tuesday in the semi-final, and also could not prevent Spurs losing by the same scoreline on the English south coast.

Son was shown a straight red card for his push on Bournemouth's Colombian midfielder Lerma on 43 minutes, leaving fans scratching their heads as to his actions, although the more cynical viewers suggested it may have been a ploy to rest himself for the semi-final return leg int he Dutch capital next Wednesday.

On 48 minutes Spurs were reduced to nine men when substitute Juan Foyth joined his teammate in the dressing room after a reckless challenge just 125 seconds after coming on. The day became worse for Spurs when Ake scored the winner in the 91st minute.

With the loss, Spurs loosened their grip on third spot, having played a game more than capital rivals Chelsea and Arsenal, who trail by two and four points respectively in the league table. 

Tottenham go into their final game of the season against an in form Everton side, knowing three points will guarantee them Champions League football next season.