Tottenham boss Antonio Conte was involved in a furious row with Southampton staff during his side’s 3-2 home Premier League defeat to the Saints on Wednesday night. The Italian was seen shouting and gesturing at his counterparts in the away dugout after they had protested against Spurs’ second goal. He was held back by members of his own backroom team and put his finger to his lips in an attempt to hush the visitors' complaints.
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte was involved in a furious touchline row with Southampton staff (Image: PREMIER LEAGUE)
Tottenham went into the clash with Southampton as heavy favourites and took an early lead as away defender Jan Bednarek turned the ball into his own net after 18 minutes.
But the south coast side, who dominated for large parts of the opening period, responded five minutes later as Chelsea loanee Armando Broja struck an equaliser.
Spurs improved after the interval and went ahead for the second time in the match as Son Heung-min got his name on the scoresheet.
But Southampton staff felt Broja had been fouled by Emerson Royal in the build-up to the goal and made their thoughts known at the side of the pitch.
And their protests led Conte to boil over as the Saints staff faced his wrath.
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The incident seemed to galvanise the away team and they displayed their character as they came from behind to snatch victory late on as goals from Mohamed Elyounoussi and Che Adams proved decisive.
Steven Bergwijn thought he had levelled in stoppage time but the strike was ruled out after the Netherlands international had strayed offside.
Conte will be bitterly disappointed with Wednesday’s result as his team missed the opportunity to go above Arsenal in the Premier League table.
Spurs are level on points with the Gunners but were unable to take advantage of their game in hand.
Tottenham were defeated 3-2 by Southampton on Wednesday night (Image: GETTY)
The north Londoners are currently four points behind fourth-placed West Ham but have three games in hand over the Hammers as the race for Champions League qualification heats up.
Spurs have also played two games fewer than Manchester United, who they trail by three points.
Tottenham will need to get over their lacklustre display as quickly as possible as they host Wolves on Sunday.
The Black Country side are two points behind Spurs in the Premier League table but will go ahead of them if they beat Arsenal on Thursday.