Jose Mourinho questioned for taking off Gareth Bale seconds after stunning free kick

Football pundits have questioned Jose Mourinho's decision to sub off Gareth Bale only a minute after his sensational free-kick that led to Spurs' opening goal vs Antwerp in Europa League on Thursday. Bale, who has made only three Premier League appearances this season, was handed his sixth start in Europa League and 31-year-old struck a vemous effort from  dead-ball situation in 56th minute, which was tipped on to woodwork and n finished by Vinicius for opener. However, just a minute later, Welshman was replaced by Son-Heung-min and Mourinho's decision to take off Bale left Spurs fans rar flummoxed. 

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Gareth Bale substitution vs Antwerp leaves fans, pundits confused

In 56th minute of game, Gareth Bale stuck one of his trademark, jaw-dropping, free-kicks from long range that was tipped onto post by Antwerp keeper Alireza Beiranvand. follow-up was tapped in by Carlos Vinicius as Spurs, who already sealed qualification into  UEL Round of 32, took lead on matchday 6. However, just a minute later, Bale was taken off by Spurs boss Mourinho and replaced by in-form Son Heung-min. 

Mourinho's decision to sub off Bale left BT Sport commentators Jermaine Jenas and Glenn Hoddle rar confused as Welshman didn't even make it till hour mark despite t featuring at weekend. Former Spurs midfielder Jenas spoke about Bale's substitution and said, "If I'm Bale, I'd be really disappointed to come off. He just struck a great free-kick and his confidence must be going through roof."

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Glenn Hoddle, ar former Spurs star, added, "I think Bale still looks fragile and tentative when he goes in. He seems unsure of his body and hasn't got that change of pace. I still feel re's more to come but he needs to build his confidence and play more. I'm surprised Mourinho took him off after his free-kick"

Fans on social media were also confused with Bale coming off just before hour mark. On Twitter, one wrote, "Why is Bale coming off? he needs to play more and build his confidence," while ar added, "I hope Bale hasn't injured himself again. Watching him subbed off after that free-kick is sad."

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Tottenham vs Antwerp: Spurs top group with 2-0 win in final group game

Following Carlos Vinicius' goal, Spurs doubled ir lead in 71st minute through Giovanni Lo Celso after Argentine finished neatly to settle game. Spurs finished Group J with 13 points from ir six games, with four wins, one draw and one defeat. 

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Im Credits - Tottenham Twitter