Spurs, Mourinho punished by UEFA for late kickoff against Antwerp

UEFA giveth, UEFA taketh? That seems to sum up the news that dropped in the last hour regarding punishment handed down by the organization to Tottenham Hotspur for their match starting late against Royal Antwerp. It’s a slap on the wrist, but here you go:

In case you forgot, Tottenham Hotspur’s match against Royal Antwerp was a few minutes late starting. There wasn’t a specific reason given at the time of the match, but it appears UEFA has found Spurs and, specifically, José Mourinho at fault. There was a further €3,000 fine for an equipment violation but we haven’t seen specifics on that just yet.

Mourinho’s suspended one-match ban is for a probationary period of one year, which means that he is in the clear so long as he doesn’t incur another infraction. The fines themselves are essentially slaps on the wrist but UEFA can be petty if it messes up TV schedules.

The club and Mourinho have yet to comment on this and we may not get anything other than an acknowledgement of the punishment. Mourinho won’t miss a match unless he messes up again, at least. While Spurs sit on top of the group thanks to goal differential, they find themselves tied with both Antwerp and LASK on six points. We’ll want Mourinho on the touch line for every remaining match until the group is completed.