Jimmy Greaves Sent Off as Tottenham Win in Belgrade in ECWC Semi-Final
By Logan Holmes
Fifty years ago, Tottenham were on their way to becoming the first British club to win a European trophy. The semi-final draw for the European Cup Winners’ Cup took them to Belgrade to meet OFK. The 2 – 1 success left them well placed to reach the Final although Jimmy Greaves was sent off in the second half.
On This Day
24th April, 1963
OFK Belgrade 1 Tottenham Hotspur 2
Scorers: White, Dyson
Team: Brown; Baker, Henry; Marchi, Norman, Mackay; Greaves, Smith,J., Smith,B., White, Dyson
Spurs took the lead in this tie after 25 minutes when John White volleyed home a shot after Bobby Smith had nodded down a Tony Marchi free kick. OFK equalised nine minutes before half time from the penalty spot.
Into the second half Spurs continued to attack but they lost Jimmy Greaves who was unluckily sent off after 55 minutes. He was dismissed for the first time in his career for kicking out at a Belgrade defender. Not deterred, Spurs continued to push forward and took the lead when Terry Dyson scored with twenty minutes left.
Greaves was the first Spurs player to be sent off in over 39 years. On the night, Greaves was consoled by the Spurs trainer, Cecil Poynton, who had been the last player dismissed all those years earlier.
#knowyourtottenhamhistory 23rd April, 1921 Tottenham Win 1921 FA Cup Final
Tottenham returned to London with high expectations of reaching the Final with the 2nd leg to come in a week’s time.