Tottenham v Bodo/Glimt Exclusive: Five-figure fine imminent after scenes last night
Tottenham took a giant step towards sealing a spot in the Europa League final with a convincing first-leg win over Bodo/Glimt on Thursday.
Ange Postecoglou’s side produced one of – if not the – best performances of the campaign to see off their Norwegian opponents 3-1.
Brennan Johnson opened the scoring for Spurs inside a minute and James Maddison scored a second – before later going off injured – with Dominic Solanke adding a third from the penalty spot.
Tottenham now head to Scandinavia next Thursday (8 May) in control of the tie, even if they did ship a needless goal late on, with a likely final against fellow Premier League side Manchester United awaiting in the Bilbao final.
Bodo/Glimt set for €10,000 fine for delaying kick-off
It was a day to forget for Bodo/Glimt, who seemingly tried to use an age-old tactic to get into the heads of Postecoglou‘s side before a ball had even been kicked.
With Tottenham waiting to get the game going on time, the visitors got together in a huddle for a last-minute team talk.
It meant the game was late getting under way, with Daily Mirror reporter Ryan Taylor posting on X (1 May) that a €10,000 (£8,500) can be expected.
Former FIFA official Keith Hackett agrees with that, exclusively telling Tottenham News: “UEFA operate a countdown clock that must be strictly adhered to.
“This is to link with media requirements around the world. The referee could have been more proactive and intervened. But Bodo/Glimt will be fined regardless for a late kick off.”
Tottenham set for Europa League final spot
Bodo/Glimt have been superb in this season’s Europa League, even knocking out a much-fancied Lazio in the last round, but they were taken apart by Tottenham.
| Match stats | Goals | Possession | Shots on target | Passes |
| Tottenham | 3 | 41% | 7 | 353 |
| Bodo/Glimt | 1 | 59% | 1 | 517 |
Postecoglou is a man under intense pressure at Spurs, and many still feel he will be given the boot regardless of what happens in Europe.
However, the Australian deserves massive praise for ensuring his side turned up when it mattered most, meaning silverware is now a realistic possibility this season.
Nobody truly knows if Postecoglou will still be at the club come next season, but he will be a legend either way if he can lift a trophy.