Tottenham Manager Thomas Frank Labels Goalkeeper Critics 'Not Genuine Supporters'
Fulham Start Strong to Beat Spurs and Increase Pressure on the Manager
Spurs fans who jeered goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario were told later "those individuals can't be real Spurs fans" by boss Thomas Frank.
Tottenham let in two goals in the first six minutes to lose 2-1 to Fulham, marking their 10th top-flight at home defeat of the year.
But the primary talking point was the visitors' second goal when Vicario gave away possession far outside his box.
The goalkeeper ventured out to handle a high pass and carried the ball towards the sideline.
However, rather than kicking it into touch, the Italian turned and tried to clear, but lost his footing as the ball glanced off Wilson and was collected by Josh King.
King laid the ball off to Welsh midfielder Wilson, who curled a shot into the net from the touchline measured at 36.6 metres.
Seconds later when the ball came to Vicario again, some Spurs supporters booed him.
Spurs were booed off at the interval, with the side 2-0 behind, and again at full-time.
One of those jeering sessions really angered the manager.
"I heard some of our supporters reportedly booed the situation and jeered after, which, in my opinion is completely unacceptable," the Dane stated regarding the supporters' response to his shot-stopper.
"[They] cannot be real Tottenham fans that do that. Alright booing after the game, no problem, but when we are in play, we are backing each other, we are behind one another moving ahead."
Tete had handed Fulham a early lead before Harry Wilson's goal – with Kudus netting for Tottenham in an improved second period showing.
Ex- top-flight goalkeeper Joe Hart remarked that the next score was "completely avoidable".
"I certainly appreciate the supporters' disappointment," the ex-keeper continued. "I am aware the part the keeper is performing. He's a great team player, he's a true leader in the dressing room but in the end you are going to be judged by your actions.
"The keeper was deeply involved in what ended up to be the winning score."
'It's In the Game, I Can Handle It'
Frank Defended His Keeper Guglielmo Vicario Following the Game
Italian national team Vicario is in his third campaign with Spurs.
He said following the game that he had to accept the feedback.
"That goal was a mistake of mine, I take responsibility for that," he said.
"My aim was to clear the ball long and I simply hit the ball in a poor way. It was an more difficult mountain to climb."
He stated receiving jeers "is part of football".
"I am mature, how can I respond?" he added. "We can't be affected by the situation in the crowd. Supporters have the right to do as they see fit.
"It's on the team to remain increasingly calm, to concentrate on ourselves. The team is missing in calmness and poise to reverse outcomes. Today is a bad defeat and it is tough to accept."
'It Shocked Me No One Returned to the Line'
In spite of Vicario's mistake, it was far from an easy goal for Harry Wilson to score.
Actually it was the second most distant top division score of the campaign – after Tyler Adams' 43.3 metre strike for the Cherries against the Black Cats, which incidentally too occurred on Saturday.
The goalscorer said he was "a little bit surprised" that he still had an empty net to aim for.
10 moments passed between Vicario coming out of his box and Wilson striking – which was 5 seconds after the clearance.
"It seemed to me like the goalkeeper was away from the area for a long time," Wilson remarked.
"It amazed me not one of the back four returned to the line. When none of them covered the net, my eyes lit up somewhat.
"[Destiny] Udogie slipped as well, which allowed me a little extra opportunity. Then it was all about trying to make the correct connection and get it on target. I had a positive feeling, as soon as it left my boot, that it was heading in."
'During in a Poor Run, Everything Seems to Go Against You'
Booing Whilst We Are Still Playing Is Completely Unjustifiable - the Manager
While Vicario's mistake dominated coverage, this was an all-round poor performance for Spurs to extend their home ground woes.
This was their tenth home loss of 2025 in the league, a joint team statistic along with 1994 and two thousand and three.
They still have home fixtures against the manager's former club the Bees and title holders the Reds to come before the close of the season.
Only one of those wins have occurred since Frank took over from Ange Postecoglou in the summer.
"When you're behind 2-0 following the opening, there is a mountain to overcome," stated the boss.
"During in a bad spell, all aspects seems to work against you as well – the opening was a redirected shot, the next is a error from Vic.
"The outcome leaves us in a position where we have suffered an additional game. Every game has a unique story, this game we were defeated in the early stages.
"We simply need to continue striving. The later period was much better and hopefully an aspect we can utilize to develop."
Spurs have been defeated in four straight home London derbies for the initial time in the Premier League.
Furthermore they are recording nine point five attempts and 3.2 shots on target per match in the division – their lowest rates on file in a one campaign (dating back to 2003-04).
Former Cottagers midfielder Murphy stated that the manager has to endure the criticism.
"He's got accept the criticism," the pundit remarked. "He's accepted a prestigious job at a major football club with enormous expectation. There is scrutiny and duty that accompanies that.
"Their showings at their stadium have been poor and they have to improve {quickly|