There was surely no one in north London more relieved than Jeremy Simpson that Antonio Conte was not in the Tottenham dugout this weekend.
On days like this, is there any more thankless a task than 90 minutes as fourth official? Simpson spent his afternoon sandwiched between two warring benches. Taking an earful. Trying and failing to keep the peace.
While staff from both sides began shoving and shouting during the second half, Spurs interim boss Cristian Stellini actually kept his distance and kept his eyes on the game. It didn’t help — he was sent off anyway.