Rafael Van der Vaart has hit back in the face of criticism following his controversial substitution at the weekend, with the Dutchman unhappy about Tottenham’s apparent failure to let him play 90 minutes.
Van der Vaart was taken off with 18 minutes remaining of Spurs’ 0-0 draw with West Ham. Instead of taking his place on the bench, the forward went straight down the tunnel – actions which angered manager Harry Redknapp.
“I didn’t like that at all,” Redknapp added. “If you are part of a team I think you should stay and watch the game. I will speak to him about it. He is a good lad. I just wanted to make a substitution.”
Van der Vaart did not speak to Redknapp after the game and has since returned to his native Netherlands for international duty. The former Real Madrid man feels the furore will blow over, but is far from happy with how he is being handled.
“I read that Harry Redknapp wanted a conversation with me, but I had to return to the Netherlands so I did not see him,” he said. “Tottenham should not be angry with me. I also did the same thing against AC Milan [in the Champions League].
“I played well, and did not find the substitution necessary. Often I like to play 90 minutes, but at Spurs that hardly ever happens.
“I am away for 10 days. When I return it is likely to have blown over.”
Credit: http://soccernet.espn.go.com
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