Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas has hit out at Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam for a "very nasty challenge" that he claims Gareth Bale was fortunate to escape a trip to hospital from.

Liverpool and Tottenham played out a 0-0 draw on Saturday, but the contest was overshadowed by a challenge from Adam on Bale.

The Liverpool man caught Bale from behind and Villas-Boas referred to a previous challenge from Adam on Bale from his time at Blackpool when condemning the tackle.

"I think it was a very nasty challenge from Charlie," Villas-Boas said. "He came in from behind on Gareth's ankle. I did not know the previous history between the two. I do now.

"At half-time Charlie came to me and said something about the challenge. I can accept that but I think he should go to the player to say sorry.

"If the player escapes hospital it is because he is very lucky. The last time he was out for three months and in the end it is the Premier League that suffers without a player of Bale's talent."

Bale was treated for some time following the tackle in the 19th minute and played on, albeit in apparent discomfort, before being substituted at half time.

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