Newcastle United Premier League rivals make shock move after ‘wholly unacceptable’ St James’ Park incident

Tottenham Hotspur have made the surprise move to sack interim manager Cristian Stellini in the wake of Sunday’s 6-1 humiliation against Newcastle United.

The Magpies boosted their hopes of securing a Champions League place with a remarkable win over their rivals for a top-four spot.

Chairman Daniel Levy has described the defeat as “wholly unacceptable” as he announced Stellini had left his role with Ryan Mason stepping into the hot-seat until the end of the season.

Newcastle raced into a 5-0 lead after 21 minutes in an incredible start to Sunday’s Premier League meeting, before securing a 6-1 victory.

A statement from Levy read: “Sunday’s performance against Newcastle was wholly unacceptable. It was devastating to see. We can look at many reasons why it happened and whilst myself, the Board, the coaches and players must all take collective responsibility, ultimately the responsibility is mine.

“Cristian will leave his current role along with his coaching staff. Cristian stepped in at a difficult point in our season and I want to thank him for the professional manner in which he and his coaching staff have conducted themselves during such a challenging time. We wish him and his staff well.

“Ryan Mason will take over Head Coach duties with immediate effect. Ryan knows the Club and the players well. We shall update further on his coaching staff in due course.

“I met with the Player Committee today - the squad is determined to pull together to ensure the strongest possible finish to the season. We are all clear we need to deliver performances which earn your amazing support.”

Spurs won one of four games under Stellini, losing two and drawing the other one. He had stepped into the temporary role after Antonio Conte left his position at the end of last month.

He was due to take charge until the end of the season as Spurs aimed to appoint a permanent successor to Conte ahead of the start of the 2023-24 campaign.

Mason takes interim charge at Spurs for a second time, having also managed the club at the end of the 2020-21 campaign after Jose Mourinho was sacked.