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Andros Townsend is at the centre of a furious row at Spurs after Mauricio Pochettino revealed he has been banished from the first team for his bust-up with a fitness coach.

Townsend’s angry camp believe the 24-year-old has been publicly humiliated by Pochettino after being led to believe the matter would be dealt with behind the scenes.

England winger Townsend will not play against Anderlecht in the Europa League on Thursday, and Mirror Sport understands he will also not be considered for selection in Sunday's North London derby after he was photographed pushing coach Nathan Gardiner on Monday night.

In pictures – Townsend rows with Gardiner:

(Image: Rex) (Image: David Klein/Sportimage) (Image: David Klein/Sportimage)

Pochettino said: “It was in public, there were pictures, we can’t hide it. When there is an action, there is a consequence.

"There is always a consequence before time to come back again with the team to train.

“He did not train with the group. He is not available to be selected (to play Anderlecht), because of Monday. You behave in the wrong way you always need to pay.

“We have a young squad and the player made a mistake, and when you cross the limit it is important to stop that. I am very friendly but the discipline is very important.

“The staff need to show respect to the player and the player needs to show respect to the staff.”

Townsend had snapped after being an unused substitute with Ryan Mason, Ben Davies and Josh Onomah all going on ahead of him during the 3-1 win over Aston Villa.

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As Gardiner ordered him to step up his post-match warm-down after the stadium had emptied, Townsend refused and pushed him in the chest.

Townsend apologised after the incident, but was told he would be fined, would miss both games and be made to train with the club’s Under-21 players — and that both parties would “see what happens after that”.

At the time, his representatives believed that was the end of the matter and that it wouldn’t be made public.

They were stunned, however, when Pochettino revealed the punishment while talking ahead of Anderlecht's visit.

(Image: Harry Engels)

Townsend’s inner circle made their feelings clear to Tottenham and believe not enough consideration has been given to the fact that the incident was out of character for the England international, who is frustrated at being a fringe player so far this season.

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But Pochettino said: “I can understand because I was a player and when you don’t play you’re unhappy and sometimes your expectation is bigger.

“But it was not normal behaviour. He is young and that it isn’t the way to impress the manager. He needs to learn about football, behaviour, discipline, about a lot of things.

In pictures - Tottenham 3-1 Aston Villa:

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“Football is not only about taking the ball in your feet and playing. You have a responsibility as a professional.”

Asked if Townsend still has a future at Spurs, Pochettino said: “All players have a future. It’s up to them if there future is here. We believe in him and he can give us very good things, but it is up to the player when he has the chance.”

PROBABLE TOTTENHAM TEAM Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Dier, Mason; Lamela, Dembele, Eriksen; Kane.

How Group J stands

P W D L GF GA GD Pts Monaco 3 1 2 0 3 2 +1 5 Anderlecht 3 1 1 1 3 3 0 4 Tottenham 3 1 1 1 5 4 +1 4 Qarabag 3 1 0 2 2 4 -2 3