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Tottenham ace demands change: Chelsea's Diego Costa has already moaned about it
TOTTENHAM star Harry Kane has echoed Diego Costa's comments by urging for more referee protection.
Harry Kane - 5 things you need to know
Spurs were held to a frustrating goalless draw away to Sunderland last night, denting their title chances in the process.
During the game, Son Heung-Min and Mousa Dembele were on the receiving end of what Kane perceived to be some rough challenges.
Jack Rodwell was given just a caution for a knee-high tackle on Dembele, while Son hurt his shin.
And Kane thinks the referee Lee Mason should have adopted a tougher approach.
"You can say it is physical but I think we have to be protected as well,” Kane said.
Harry Kane wasn't impressed with the rough tactics adopted by Sunderland last
Mousa Dembele was on the receiving end of a high challenge
Mousa was kicked knee high. If you kick anyone knee high on purpose, it is a red card
“There were some decisions against Sunderland that were very surprising.
“Mousa was kicked knee high. If you kick anyone knee high on purpose, it is a red card — it doesn’t matter if it’s a ‘tactical foul’.
"Sonny also had a big gash on his shin where one of their players followed through after kicking the ball. We’re disappointed at that side of it.
"The tackle on Mousa was dangerous and definitely a red card.”
Kane's comments seemed to mirror that of Chelsea striker Costa, who at the beginning of the season, felt he was being targeted by officials during the 2-1 win over West Ham.
Diego Costa was furious with the referee earlier this season
He said: "I am aware of [the new dissent law] now. The second time I went to talk to him [the referee], he showed me [the yellow card]," Costa said.
"I even found it a bit weird, but then I understood. I went to apologise at half-time and that’s it.
“But I’ll be honest, I am targeted here, by the referees, the people… if I do something, it’s totally different than if any other players do. It needs to be seen, that people targeted me."
Kane and Spurs will be looking to get back on track against Middlesbrough (5:30pm).
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