Soccer-Mason shocked by no red card for Sheffield United's Fleck

LONDON (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur's interim manager Ryan Mason said he was shocked that Sheffield United's John Fleck escaped a red card for appearing to stamp on the head of Giovani Lo Celso during the London club's 4-0 Premier League win on Sunday.

The incident occurred in the second half as Lo Celso fell under challenge from Fleck and the Sheffield player then raked his boot down the side of the Argentine's head.

Lo Celso later went off and was seen with a large ice pack attached to his head.

"I am so shocked that it wasn't a red card," Mason said. "I'm shocked the VAR team didn't at least tell the referee to have a look. I think it's a stonewall red card.

"I don't think there's a clearer red card. You see the replay once and he's endangered an opponent. I cannot believe it wasn't given as a red card. It's avoidable."

Mason himself had to retire from the game after suffering a fractured skull while playing for Hull City in 2017.

The Lo Celso incident did not overshadow a second win for two league games for Mason, who is in charge until the end of the season following Jose Mourinho's sacking.

Gareth Bale scored a stylish hat-trick while Dele Alli, another player often overlooked by Mourinho, started.

"I said all along Gareth Bale hasn't and won't lose that ability in the final third to produce moments of excellence," Mason said. "He's a world class player -- he's proved that over many years. The most pleasing thing about him tonight was his attitude, his running for the team."

Asked if Bale's loan spell for Real Madrid could yet be extended, Mason said: "I think that is a discussion once the season is done. Our priority is the next game."

Victory lifted Tottenham into fifth place in the standings, five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Christian Radnedge)