Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino reveals he talked referee out of sending him to the stands during defeat by Roma in New Jersey

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Mauricio Pochettino revealed the referee in charge of Tottenham's defeat by Roma performed an embarrassing U-turn having wanted to send him to the stands.

Pochettino was enraged by a number of Hilario Grajeda's decisions throughout the 3-2 reverse in New Jersey - including turning down a Harry Kane penalty appeal.

Grajeda attempted to send Pochettino off in the second half after confronting the fourth official but the Spurs boss appeared to refuse.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino revealed how he refused to go to the stands after being sent there by officials in the 3-2 defeat by Roma in New Jersey

Pochettino was infuriated after referee Hilario Grajeda turned down a penalty appeal

In the end, Pochettino apologised to the officials for his protests and remained on the bench

And it transpired the referee went back on his orders, even enlisting the futile help of a match commander.

'He wanted me to be sent, but I said ''come on that makes no sense because we were talking in Spanish and nobody could understand us",' Pochettino said.

'It was all good I think. It was not a problem. I apologised to him about my behaviour.

'I believe it was a chat that ok, we were talking and started to speak louder.'

Late goals by Harry Winks and Vincent Janssen drew Tottenham level but a lapse in concentration saw them go down in stoppage time.

Harry Kane can't believe his luck as he has a clear shout for a penalty turned down

Kane gets to grips with Roma captain Daniele De Rossi as tempers continued to flare 

Pochettino, however, is pleased with the tour of America so far with Manchester City still to play in Nashville.

'We are working a lot to develop our game and improve and learn,' he added.

'Our objective is to try next season to try to fight for everything we are going to play. During that period we try to improve the team.

'We'll see in the end what happens but I am so calm, I am happy. I think the team is doing well.

'The most important thing is to get the feeling, to improve every day.'

Harry Winks' strike had inspired a late comeback for Tottenham with a close-range tap-in

Marco Tumminello runs away to celebrate his injury-time winner for Roma against Tottenham