'Lucky boy!' – Fans question Son Heung-min's reputation after horror challenge vs Fulham

Tottenham Hotspur winger Son Heung-min has been dubbed a 'lucky boy' for escaping harsher punishment for a heavy challenge on Fulham's Kenny Tete.

Fans on social media have questioned Son's reputation as a clean player after highlighting the tackle, which was only deemed worthy of a yellow card by referee Paul Tierney, even after consulting VAR.

Harry Kane scored the only goal of the game in a dour Premier League contest at Craven Cottage, equalling the all-time Spurs scoring record held by club legend Jimmy Greaves in the process.

But it might have been different for Fulham if Son had been shown a red card.

Spurs saw out a win that keeps in the hunt for fourth place, as they now trail Manchester United by just three points, albeit having played a game more. Fulham, meanwhile, are still flying high in seventh despite the defeat.

Some on Twitter, led by Arsenal fan Ben, cited the challenge by Son as an example of a player's 'clean' and 'fair' reputation – in their view – saving them from harsher punishment by referees.

Another on the social media site called Son a 'lucky boy', although former Premier League referee Mark Halsey told The Sun he believed a yellow card was the correct call by Tierney.

Harry Kane scores versus Fulham

He said: "Son was a fraction late and caught Tete on his ankle, but I did not think the challenge was with excessive force. If Son had been higher then he would have been sent off. It’s a subjective call and not a clear and obvious error by Tierney so VAR official Michael Oliver did not intervene."

Supporters have reacted to the tackle, criticising the South Korea international for his reckless challenge.

One person said: "Not that sort of player. He's a nice guy. Bloke does this on a regular basis."

Another tweeted: "Just seen the replay Son a lucky boy to still be on the field for that challenge on Tete."

Son ahead of kick-off at Craven Cottage

A third commented: "Forget the loss, that Son tackle has left a bitter taste, in hindsight Tete should’ve done a few more rollie pollies to get him sent off."

While someone put: "How’s Son not seen red for that challenge on Tete?!"

The yellow card was just Son's second in all competitions this season – and his first in the league. He received just three last term and none at all in the 2020/21 campaign.

However, he received a red card on three separate occasions in 2019 – the first player to do so since Lee Cattermole a decade earlier – with his tackle on Everton's Andre Gomes resulting in a broken leg for the player and Son in tears.