Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says he has “no problem” with James Maddison going to watch darts despite being unable to start a match due to illness.
The England midfielder was due to start last Sunday’s home game against Wolves at 15:00 GMT, but was only deemed well enough to be on the bench.
He came on as a substitute in the 64th minute in the 2-2 draw.
Hours later, he was pictured at the World Darts Championship match between Luke Humphries and Peter Wright at Alexandra Palace in London, alongside teammate Brennan Johnson.
“I have no problem with players having lives,” Postecoglou said. “It’s very different from trying to play football and living your life. I don’t see any problem with that and I don’t think it did him any harm.
“He wasn’t 100% and it was a game where we needed someone to be 100%. He was still good enough to play.
“If he was bedridden and didn’t show up for the match and still went to darts, there might be a problem. But I had no problem with that.”
Maddison, who celebrates goals by pretending to throw a dart, has scored eight goals and created five assists in 26 appearances this season.
“I always think the key with Madders is to keep him fit, keep him healthy, keep him alert and that includes not playing every game, especially with the schedule we have,” Postecoglou said .
“When he has played this year his goal total has been good, he has always had an impact on the game and that is what we need him to continue to do.”
