Tottenham v Bodo/Glimt: UEFA set to impose fine after controversy
Tottenham took on Bodo Glimt in the semi-final of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday in North London.
Brennan Johnson scored in the first minute of the game to give the hosts the start they needed.
The final score was 3-1 in favour of the hosts, with the second leg set to be played seven days later in Norway.
UEFA likely to impose fine on Bodo/Glimt
Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen and his staff had a lengthy pre-game team talk with the rest of his staff.
While this is far from the realms of extraordinary, the team talk lasted far too long, thus delaying the start of the match.
UEFA strictly want games to start at 8 pm UK time, as the Athletic Bilbao v Manchester United clash did, and the delay is what could see Bodo being hit with a fine.
| Position | Club | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
| 15. | Everton | 34 | -7 | 38 |
| 16. | Tottenham | 34 | +6 | 37 |
| 17. | West Ham | 34 | -19 | 36 |
According to Express journalist Ryan Taylor, UEFA may impose a €10,000/£8,498 fine on the Norwegian outfit because of it and not on Tottenham.
He wrote on X: “Bodø/Glimt team talk delays kick-off. Will likely be slapped with €10,000 fine from UEFA. Spurs then score inside opening minute, prompting second huddle.”
Ange Postecoglou will be thrilled with how Tottenham started the game
UEFA regulations are clear and Bodo/Glimt’s prolonged pre-game team talk, which delayed the start of their semi-final first leg, violated their rule.
If these are the established guidelines, they must be enforced consistently to maintain fairness, and the fine, is a justified consequence.
Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou would have been delighted with his team’s explosive start, as Johnson scored within the first minute, capitalising on the disruption.
This early strike, prompting a second Bodo huddle, set a commanding tone for Spurs in front of a roaring North London crowd inside the stadium, boosting their momentum ahead of the second leg in Norway.