Tottenham defender’s incident against Doncaster shocks BBC pundit Paul Parker

Kevin Danso incident shocks former Manchester United defender

It was Kevin Danso’s first start of the season for Tottenham, as Frank rotated his squad. The centre-back’s trademark long throw was one of the highlights of the cup tie against Doncaster Rovers. The Austrian international was also involved in a flashpoint on Wednesday evening.

While it took until the stoppage time for Johnson to rubber-stamp the home side’s win, Doncaster always remained in the game and threatened Tottenham a couple of times on the break. The League One side did benefit from referee Andy Madley’s decision given against Danso on the edge of the box, which former Manchester United defender Paul Parker criticised.

“The boot was high, but he’s got the ball,” Paul Parker said while commentating for BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3 (h/t BBC Sport).

“In that situation, you’ve got to go for it as a defender. Now, if he wants to catch him in the head, then yes, there’ll be repercussions, but he’s won that ball fairly, not great contact on the player either.

“That is so, so poor, you can’t give a foul for that, you can’t do that. Under these kinds of circumstances, he’s got to let it go because otherwise, you’re taking someone away from the game.

“If he doesn’t go for that, and the player heads it down in front and goes bang, it’s a goal… everybody, the fans, his teammates, his manager will go ‘what are you doing? Oh, I was worried about kicking him in the head’, you what?… That was mad.”

Danso showed he can be counted upon by Frank

Parker was spot on with his judgement. Danso had to be brave and go for the ball, trying to nick it away before the opponent makes contact. Unfortunately, Andy Madley penalised the Spurs defender for a high boot on the Doncaster player, even though he got a fair chunk of the ball.

The visitors could not make most of the foul in the edge of the box, and Danso was relieved man. The 27-year-old has had to be patient for his opportunity this season, with first-choice centre-back pair Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven playing brilliantly. He got his chance in midweek and repaid the manager’s faith by helping Spurs keep a clean sheet.

By doing so, the Austrian international showed Frank that he can be relied upon, opening up future prospects of a regular run in the XI if required.