Defoe defends 'bite' incident
Jermain Defoe insists reaction to his bite on Javier Mascherano has been excessive.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe insists the reaction to his bite on West Ham United's Javier Mascherano has been 'blown out of all proportion'.The England striker reacted to a bad challenge from behind from the Argentinian midfielder in Spurs' 1-0 win at White Hart Lane.
He moved his head towards Mascherano in retaliation, and bit the World Cup star's arm through his shirt, as a skirmish between the teams followed.
Both players were booked by referee Steve Bennett for their parts in the incident and Defoe has defended himself after hitting the headlines.
"This has been blown out of all proportion. The referee was standing right over me and if he felt I had done anything bad he would have sent me off," a statement issued by Defoe's agent read.
"The incident doesn't look great on TV and I accept that as a role model to kids I have a responsibility to conduct myself in the right way which I always try to do on and off the pitch."
Despite the outcry, the Football Association are yet to act, as The Hammers have also looked to play down the controversy.
