Tottenham Hotspur are to appeal against the sending-off of goalkeeper Neil Sullivan in last night's 4-2 victory over Newcastle at White Hart Lane. The Scot saw red when referee Steve Bennett decided that Sullivan had fouled Kieron Dyer inside the penalty box. However, video replays have shown that Sullivan did in fact make contact with the ball.
"The referee sees what he sees and he has to make a decision on that. I have seen a re-run of the incident and the goalkeeper actually touched the ball. It probably looked like a sending-off but he doesn't have a video to help him out," explained Spurs boss George Graham after the game. Graham intends on asking the Bennett to review his decision in order to prevent Sullivan from having to serve a suspension.
Dyer and Newcastle's other goalscorer on the night, Nolberto Solano, soon followed Sullivan down the tunnel in what was a thrilling match. Dyer had opened the scoring for the visitors before Irish boy Gary Doherty equalised. Darren Anderton with a penalty, a contendor for goal of the season by Spurs striker Sergei Rebrov and a close-range header by Les Ferdinand secured victory for the home side, their first win in seven Premiership matches.
Meanwhile, Darren Anderton has helped increase the feeling of optimism around the Lane even further by announcing he wants to stay at the club. The 28-year-old midfielder has opened contract talks with Spurs after speculation that he could be on his way out when his current deal expires in the summer. "I'm not just saying I want to stay, I really do want to. I feel I am part of the family here. I know that because my contract is up in the summer I could talk to foreign clubs now, but I would rather stay at Spurs," said Anderton. " I will wait and see what offer they come up with and I imagine they will do that soon now that we have finished with the Christmas and New Year fixture programme," he added.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
