Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has strongly criticized a section of the club's fanbase for booing goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario during their 2-1 home defeat to Fulham on Saturday. Frank labeled the behavior "unacceptable" and questioned the authenticity of those fans.
The Italian goalkeeper, who arrived from Empoli in the summer of 2023, endured a difficult night, making an error that led to Fulham's second goal. After Kenny Tete's deflected shot put Fulham ahead, Vicario rushed out of his goal to intercept a pass but misdirected his clearance, allowing Harry Wilson to score into an empty net from long range.
The home crowd responded to Vicario's mistake with audible boos, which continued whenever he touched the ball. Frank, however, defended his player, stating, "I didn't like that our fans booed at him straight after and a few times after that". He went on to say, "They can't be true Tottenham fans because everyone supports each other when you're on the pitch, and we do everything we can to perform". Frank clarified that he would have no issue with fans booing after the match but found it "unacceptable" during the game.
Vicario himself acknowledged the booing as "part of football". Speaking to Sky Sports, he said, "It's part of football, so I am a big man, I am quite older. We cannot be influenced for which is the situation in the stands". He added, "The fans have the right to do what they think and probably it is on us to stay more calm and focus more on ourselves because we know which is our game plan and which is our strengths".
Besides Vicario, Pedro Porro was also involved in a feisty exchange at full-time with fans.
Frank, who is already under pressure 13 games into his reign, emphasized the importance of sticking together during difficult periods. "When you're down 2-0 after six minutes, there is a mountain to climb," Frank said. "When you're in a bad spell, everything seems to go against you as well". He also noted the emotional nature of the performance, saying, "We know that we badly want to win at home, so when it's not going your way, it is hard. That's why you need to stick to the plan, be cool and not stress. It is easier said than done".
Despite Mohammed Kudus pulling a goal back in the second half, Tottenham was unable to equalize, extending their poor home record in the Premier League this season.
