.....tenuous link with us as it impacts a close rival I suppose, but it seemed the correct decision for me & I didn't see many complaints from his team mates.
These guys have to remember that like it or not, they're role models for our kids, and how you conduct yourself on the pitch matters a great deal. That's part and parcel of being a professional footballer.
Remember Beckham gobbed out a massive loogie after scoring from his own half? But he grew up and I don't remember that he was a persistent spitter.
I don't think it was clear he was spitting at Walker, and I'm always surprised by the disproportionate reactions to spitting in football. It probably should be a red most of the time where there's no doubt that it's meant, as it's obviously an antagonistic act, but I couldn't stomach seeing Alan Shearer narrowing his eyes and doing his serious voice about how disgusting it was on MOTD. The same fella who got caught stamping more than once in his career.
I was watching live on Sky and my initial reaction was it was harsh, particularly as it gives Spurs and advantage they didn't need. However, spitting is a vile vile thing only the scum of this earth would do, I would rather someone punch me in he face than spit at me. Popov knew what he was doing, the fact he missed walker was probably down to the fact he can't even spit properly.