Atletico Madrid thrash Tottenham 5-2 as Micky van de Ven escapes red card
Tottenham Hotspur suffered a humiliating 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in their Champions League last-16 first leg following a disastrous first-half collapse.
Igor Tudor’s relegation-threatened side found themselves four goals behind within just 22 minutes of a chaotic European encounter.
Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky was substituted uninjured inside the opening 20 minutes after being at fault for two of the early strikes.
Pedro Porro managed to pull a goal back for the struggling Premier League outfit, but their defensive frailties remained glaringly obvious.
Van de Ven survives dismissal scare
The spotlight quickly shifted to Micky van de Ven after the Dutch defender flew into a reckless challenge in the 38th minute.
The Netherlands international was highly fortunate to avoid a straight red card, managing to stay on the pitch despite the severity of the tackle.
This latest disciplinary incident follows closely on the heels of his sending-off during a recent 3-1 domestic defeat against Crystal Palace.
Prominent football journalists were quick to condemn the actions of the lightning-fast centre-back.
“Micky Van de Ven very, very lucky. Bad challenge. Should be red.”
Supporters question defender’s commitment
While sympathetic towards their substituted goalkeeper, the travelling support directed significant anger towards their central defender.
Fans took to social media to accuse the former Wolfsburg man of being completely disengaged and tarnishing his legacy in North London.
“Van de Ven should ABSOLUTELY be deducted wages. His performances this season have been absolutely scandalous, almost deliberately bad.”
Another furious spectator suggested the player’s recent form could even deter potential suitors from making a transfer bid.
“It’s time for Van de Ven to pack his bags he has completely checked out.”
The heavy European defeat compounds a miserable campaign for the Tottenham squad.
Currently battling against relegation in the domestic league, Tudor’s men face an almost impossible task ahead of the return leg.
