Crossword Genius

Illegally approaches player? Fight back is winning (4,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

taps up

'illegally approaches player?' is the definition.
(approach a player still under contract)

'fight back is winning' is the wordplay.
'fight' becomes 'spat'.
'back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'is winning' becomes 'up' (eg being up at half time in football).
'spat' reversed gives 'taps'.
'taps'+'up'='TAPS UP'

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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