Blackburn Rovers midfielder Tugay scored a contender for goal of the season then got sent off in a bad-tempered 1-1 home draw against Spurs this evening.

Tugay sent a fizzing 25-metre volley past Tottenham keeper Paul Robinson to give Rovers the lead after 23 minutes but blotted his copybook on the hour when he clipped Hossam Ghaly to concede a penalty that was tucked away by Jermain Defoe.

Ghaly also received a red card in stoppage time when he was deemed to have elbowed defender Michael Gray.

Tottenham, still searching for a first away win in the league, looked to be heading for defeat after Tugay had given Rovers the lead with his stunner.

However, the visitors got back on level terms with a highly controversial equaliser.

Ghaly showed great control as he surged into the penalty area but was clipped as he dinked the ball inside Tugay who was racing back to defend.

Having consulted with his assistant, referee Phil Dowd then showed a red card to the bemused Tugay despite furious protests from Rovers players who felt there had been no contact.

Defoe, given a rare start in place of Robbie Keane, kept his cool to drill his spot kick low past Brad Friedel.

Tottenham survived a strong penalty appeal at the other end when their striker Mido appeared to control a cross with his arm.

Despite being a man down, Rovers came closest to a winner when striker Benni McCarthy's instinctive backheeled volley brought a fine save out of Robinson.

Blackburn stay 15th, just three points above the relegation zone, while Tottenham, whose manager Martin Jol was also sent from the dugout after Ghaly's dismissal, are joint 12th.