Wednesday 1 February 2017 17:43, UK
Harry Kane has hit out at Jack Rodwell and called for greater protection from referees following Tottenham's bruising clash with Sunderland on Tuesday night.
Defender Danny Rose was forced off with a knee problem in the first half after a challenge by Billy Jones while striker Heung-Min Son suffered a shin injury as Spurs were held to frustrating goalless draw on Wearside.
Kane believes Rodwell should have been shown a straight red for his high tackle on midfielder Mousa Dembele in the first half.
"You could say the other team were physical. I think there were some decisions on that pitch that were very surprising," said Kane.
"I think Mousa getting kicked knee-high on the pitch… If you go up to anyone on the pitch and kick them knee-height on purpose, it doesn't matter if it's a 'tactical foul', let's say, it's a red card.
"There's another one. Sonny's got a big gash going down his shin where the guy's kicked the ball and followed through onto his shin. Yes, it's physical, but then I think we have to be protected as well, so obviously we're disappointed from that side of it. It was a disappointing night.
"Referee Lee Mason obviously just saw Rodwell's challenge as a tactical foul, but I think we all know a pull on the shirt or a trip on the foot or the shin even is one thing. But kicking someone knee-height on purpose like that, I think it's a dangerous tackle and for me I think it's definitely a red card."
The stalemate at the Stadium of Light meant Spurs missed the chance to put pressure on their title rivals as Arsenal lost at home to Watford, while leaders Chelsea drew away to Liverpool.
"It's very frustrating, especially when you come in and find out the teams around us dropped points as well," Kane added as he turned his attention to Middlesbrough's visit on Saturday.
"We've got another important game at the weekend, Arsenal and Chelsea play each other as well so one or both of them might drop points and we've got to be ready to capitalise."
Second-placed Spurs are nine points behind Chelsea, level on 47 points with Arsenal and a point ahead of Liverpool.
