LEYTON ORIENT manager Richie Wellens has apologised to Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham over a “stupid comment”.
The Os boss quickly retracted the comment which he made in his post-match press interview after a 1-0 defeat to Stockport.
Wellens bemoaned the officiating in the match after his side saw a penalty appeal waved away by the referee late on.
Orient were also without Sean Clare and key defender Omar Beckles – the latest casualties in an injury-strewn season.
Asked if injuries were to blame for the defeat, Wellens responded: “I’m not Ange Postecoglou and keep using it as an excuse.”
Orient have since taken the comment out of the video and Wellens has issued an apology to Postecoglou and Spurs.
He said: “After today’s game, I was asked about the injuries within our squad and, without thinking, I made a stupid comment about Tottenham Hotspur.
“That comment was brought to my attention later in the evening and having watched my interview back I am deeply embarrassed and regret what I said.
“At Leyton Orient, we have a strong relationship with Tottenham Hotspur and it was never my intention to say anything that would jeopardise that.
“Their manager, Ange Postecoglou, is a world-class coach and I want to apologise for my comments and wish Spurs all the very best for the second half of the season.”
Tottenham and Orient have had a close relationship in recent years with Spurs youngsters Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley on loan at the east London club this season and performing well.
Tottenham Women also regularly play their home games at Orient’s Brisbane Road, while the League One side borrowed a heated dome for their pitch from Spurs in 2022.
Statement in full
Wellens apologised for his comment with the following statement:
“After today’s game, I was asked about the injuries within our squad and, without thinking, I made a stupid comment about Tottenham Hotspur.
“That comment was brought to my attention later in the evening and having watched my interview back I am deeply embarrassed and regret what I said.
“At Leyton Orient, we have a strong relationship with Tottenham Hotspur and it was never my intention to say anything that would jeopardise that.
“Their manager, Ange Postecoglou, is a world-class coach and I want to apologise for my comments and wish Spurs all the very best for the second half of the season.”
Tottenham have been ravaged by injuries this season with ten players out of action.
Radu Dragusin was the latest player to be struck down after picking up a knee injury against Elfsborg on Thursday.
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