Defoe - Bite not serious

23 oktober 2006, 13:40

Koen Freriks

Jermain Defoe has defended himself for biting Javier Mascherano, claiming the incident had been "blown out of all proportion".

The England striker appeared to bit the arm of West Ham's Argentinian midfielder during Spurs' 1-0 win over West Ham at White Hart Lane. Referee Steve Bennett booked both players after calming down the melee that erupted when Defoe retaliated to a challenge from Mascherano.

Defoe, in a statement issued by his agent, said: "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."