Tottenham drop Townsend after on-the-pitch row

Tottenham winger Andros Townsend has been banned from training with the first team and dropped from the squad after an on-the-pitch with a fitness coach.

Townsend was pictured pushing and arguing with Spurs trainer Nathan Gardiner on the pitch at White Hart Lane following the team’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino banished Townsend from the first team and said he would not be part of the squad for Thursday’s Europa League match at home to Anderlecht.

“He did not train with the group. He is not available to be selected tomorrow, he is not in the squad,” Pochettino said.

“It’s because of Monday. When you behave in the wrong way you always need to pay. It’s always my decision when he is available again to be part of the squad.”

Townsend, 24, has yet to start a Premier League match this season and was an unused substitute against Villa.

“As a manager I am very fair but the discipline is very important,” Pochettino said. “The staff need to show respect to the player and the player needs to show respect to the staff.”