Tottenham manager Antonio Conte says he left the pitch and walked down the tunnel after Rodrigo Bentancur's late winner against Bournemouth on Saturday in order to avoid more possible VAR disappoinment and a 'heart attack'.
Conte was sent off on Wednesday night after Spurs striker Harry Kane was denied a stoppage-time winner following a lengthy VAR check against Sporting CP in the Champions League.
Against Bournemouth, Spurs had to dig deep as they came back from 2-0 down thanks to goals from Ryan Sessegnon, Ben Davies and Bentancur.
After the Uruguyan netted, Conte disappeared down the tunnel and later told reporters: "I came back when I knew the goal was regular. I thought in my mind and my heart I can have a heart attack because in two days to score and then have goal disallowed, I said I go down and then stay calm and then I wait for the decision of the referee."
Conte was also happy his side showed a mean streak as they ended a run of three games without a win in all competitions.
"For sure it was great to see the desire of my players and the reaction they had," he said. "I repeat also the nastiness they put into the pitch because I have seen in the eyes of my players the desire to win this game.
"Also when we drew 2-2 and then in our mind the only thought was to take the ball and start to play again.
"This reaction was really positive and I want this from my players."
