Sule explains why he chopped down four-goal hero Gnabry during Bayern celebrations

The German insists there was no malice behind his aggressive tackle on the winger, whom he considers "a good friend"

Niklas Sule has explained why he floored Bayern Munich team-mate Serge Gnabry during the team's celebrations after thrashing Tottenham on Tuesday night.

The German champions recorded a stunning 7-2 win in north London, despite falling behind to a Son Heung-min strike in the 12th minute of the Champions League group-stage encounter.

Joshua Kimmich conjured up a superb curling effort to equalise three minutes later, before Robert Lewandowski put the visitors 2-1 up just before half-time.

Gnabry scored two goals in quick succession for Bayern after the break, before a Harry Kane penalty gave Tottenham hope at 4-2 with 30 minutes left to play. 

However, Niko Kovac's side continued to dominate, with Gnabry scoring two more goals either side of another expert Lewandowski finish.

As the Bayern players celebrated a famous win in front of the away fans after the match, the cameras picked up Sule chopping down Gnabry with a lunging tackle.

However, Sule went on to reveal that he was merely getting his own back on the 24-year-old for a light-hearted clash which took place moments before his challenge.

"Serge Gnabry is a good friend of mine," said the centre-back, as quoted by BT Sport . "I'm so pleased for him - tonight belonged to him, which is why I took him out after the game.

"He hit me on the forehead beforehand, so I had to get him back."

Why did Niklas Süle do Serge Gnabry like that?! 😂😩

Who kicked his hat-trick ball into the crowd?! 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/hyeK6ditzD

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 1, 2019

Bayern now sit top of Group B on six points, with Red Star Belgrade three behind in second after beating Olympiakos 3-1 in Serbia last night.

Tottenham face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout phase after their drubbing at the hands of the Bundesliga giants, with a double-header against Red Star now on the horizon.

Kovac's men will now be full of confidence ahead of their next domestic outing on Saturday, with Hoffenheim due to arrive at the Allianz Arena.

Spurs, meanwhile, will be aiming to bounce back from their latest setback with a win over Brighton at the Amex this weekend.

GOAL