Commentator accused of 'laughing' at Spurs player who left stadium on crutches

A co-commentator has been forced to respond after being accused of laughing at Spurs forward Alejo Veliz getting injured.

The Argentine came off the bench in the 3-1 win over Bournemouth but just minutes after entering the fray, pulled up.

He tried to play on but ended up throwing himself to the turf in a heap after a teammate attempted to find him on the counter attack.

On commentary, former Nigeria international Efan Ekoku said "he may not be getting up" and appeared to laugh.

That lead to a whole lot of criticism from Spurs fans, who branded him "unprofessional".

Ekoku was working for Premier League productions, meaning his analysis was heard on USA Network on Saturday.

However, the 56-year-old has felt the need to address the alleged laughter on his social media.

The former Sheffield Wednesday striker says fans are "seriously mistaken" as he was laughing at the teammates and coaching staff not recognising his issue.

Image: Getty

Taking to social media, he wrote: "Great game to end the year at Tottenham earlier, class in the final third was the difference as Bournemouth guilty of being wasteful! For all those spurs fans believing the ‘laughter’ was at Veliz and his injury are seriously mistaken btw!

"The inability of his teammates and coaching staff to recognise his situation was comical…poor kid had to collapse to ground 2 times before he was seen to."

In response, a fan defended Ekoku and understood his reaction, causing another comment from the ex Brentford man.

Image: Getty

He added: "Finally, a sensible voice on the issue! Poor kid was struggling and no one recognised it, they even passed him the ball on the counter attack hope he’s not too badly injured."

Unfortunately for Veliz, the injury does not look good as he was seen leaving the stadium wearing a protective boot.

He signed in a £12 million move from Rosario Central in the summer.

It followed up the early injury blow suffered by Pape Matar Sarr, who scored the opener but left the field in tears.

Topics: Tottenham Hotspur, Bournemouth

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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