Jermain Defoe was at the centre of controversy after admitting to biting the arm of West Ham United's Javier Mascherano during the teams' Premiership clash yesterday.

The England forward appeared to bite the arm of the Argentinian after being fouled in yesterday's match, with Steve Bennett booking both players once a melee that ensued following Defoe's retaliation to the challenge had been calmed.

Spurs boss Martin Jol insists Mascherano will bear no scars after describing Defoe's bite as a "comical nibble". Jol played down suggestions that England striker Defoe had bitten Mascherano after a first-half goal from Mido left West Ham in a deepening crisis at the foot of the table.

Mascherano was booked for his tackle from behind and Defoe for his response, the incident producing a mass bout of shoving.

"There will be no mark. Ask Mascherano if he has got a mark," Jol said afterwards. "It is part of the game. They kicked him (Defoe) three times from behind in 10 minutes and he wanted to show his frustration in a nice, comical way."