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Jose Mourinho defends Harry Kane following penalty award against Brighton

Tottenham Hotspur v Brighton and Hove Albion – Premier League – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
(Image credit: John Walton)

Jose Mourinho has leapt to the defence of Harry Kane over criticism for the way he won a penalty in Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Brighton.

Kane appeared to draw a foul from Adam Lallana to win the spot-kick, which he then converted.

Harry Kane scored the penalty

Harry Kane scored the penalty (John Walton/PA)

“Harry Kane was in a position to control the ball and (Adam) Lallana came in a reckless fashion. Why are you saying it is clever?” Mourinho said.

“Clever is taking the ball and scoring a goal. It’s a foul.

“I thought it was a direct free-kick but VAR said it was inside the box because it was on the line. What are we talking about being clever?

“Harry Kane just wants to score goals. Lallana was reckless.

“Why are you speaking about us? Speak about Liverpool, Manchester United, City and others with ‘clever’ players and getting penalties. Don’t speak about Harry Kane.”