Clarke spitting mad with Popov

West Brom head coach Steve Clarke slammed defender Goran Popov following his sending-off for spitting, admitting he was "absolutely disgusted".

Popov faces a three-match ban as a result of the incident, which came early in the second half after he had exchanged angry words with Spurs defender Kyle Walker. Clarke confirmed disciplinary action will be taken against the Macedonia international, adding that his dismissal played a large part in Albion's 1-0 defeat at The Hawthorns.

"The game changed with the sending-off. I'm absolutely disgusted with Goran's behaviour," Clarke said.

"One of the group has let the players down. It changed the whole complexion of the game. It's difficult enough in the Premier League playing against 11 players, especially when you're playing against Tottenham.

"There's no excuse for that. There's no place for it in life, never mind on a football pitch.

"I would like to think that at some stage he will apologise. As always there will be disciplinary procedures taken against the player but they'll remain in-house."

A second-half goal from Gareth Bale earned victory for Spurs, who are now only a point behind third-placed Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League.

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas echoed Clarke's sentiments.

"It's difficult for the ref, but Popov did what he did and Walker did nothing to react," he said.

"It's difficult to assess but I think Mark Clattenburg made the right decision. It's horrible and nasty."