Tottentham fans are hoping there’s no repeat of the infamous Lasagne-gate episode after it was reported on Sunday morning that a number of the Spurs squad had been suffering from a stomach bug.
Stomach bug issues in the Spurs camp. I’ve seen this film before. 🇮🇹 #THFC
— Michael Bridge (@MichaelBridge_) May 15, 2022
Lasagne-gate is the informal name given to the events of 6-7 May 2006, when ten members of the Tottenham Hotspur squad were struck down with illness on the eve of one of the biggest matches in recent Spurs history. (Image:Getty)
Tottenham Hotspur’s squad was infiltrated by a stomach bug ahead of Sunday’s Premier League home game against Burnley with Dejan Kulusevski was one of four players who had reported symptoms.
Antonio Conte speaking to BT Sport around an hour before kick-off, Conte said: “[We had] only yesterday to prepare for the game but this is the schedule and we have to play.
“Honestly, there was a problem because yesterday Kulusevski didn’t do the training session. He was sick with a stomach problem.”
“He was not the only player to have this, maybe a virus came around into the team.
“Yesterday four players but it is ok. Kulusevski didn’t have the training session, but we have Lucas Moura”
Tottemham travel to Norwich City on Sunday with their destiny in their hands after what seemed to have slipped away.
After Arsenal humiliating loss to Newcastle on Monday, it means Antonio Conte’s men are in need of just ONE point to secure Champions League football for next season.
However, with the stomach bug claim, Spurs fans hope there is no repeat of the infamous Lasagna-gate episode back in 2006 which ultimately cost them a place in the top four.
Up the toon 💪💪 let’s get our job done Sunday now #Top4 for god sake keep the players always from any dodgy lasagne though 🤢🤣🤣 #COYS https://t.co/LlnAxdIEpx
— Matt Boles (@CllrMattBoles) May 16, 2022
Lasagne-gate: As it happened.
The Gunners had reached the Champions League final that season but Tottenham were in control of qualification for the subsequent season’s campaign.
With just one game of the season to play in the 2005/06 campaign, Spurs simply needed to match Arsenal’s result to secure their place in the Champions League.
Spurs traveled into their final game, away at West Ham. Arsenal hosted Wigan in Highbury’s last match. It seemed like a straightforward sprint finish.
But late on Saturday night, instead of dreaming of the Champions League, many of Tottenham’s players began to fall ill. “Lasagne and spaghetti Bolognese were on the menu, we ate, and then in the middle of the night we started dropping like flies,” reflected Jermaine Jenas. “It was mayhem.”
LONDON – MAY 07: Martin Jol, manager of Tottenham Hotspur, (C) looked dejected as his team miss out on a Champions League place. (Getty Images)
“We had 10 players feeling sick overnight,” said Jol after the game.
“We asked to postpone the game for 24 hours but we didn’t want to risk sanctions. We took a gamble but I think you saw we weren’t strong enough. We’re in Europe and that’s the main target but to be fourth for most of the season and lose it on the last day is a big disappointment. We’re gutted.”
Yossi Benayoun scored the West ham winning goal. (Getty Images)
While Arsenal came from behind to win 4-2, Spurs ended up losing the game 2-1 with several key players like Carrick and Keane were among the afflicted, so too were Edgar Davids, Aaron Lennon and Michael Dawson.
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