Opposition is mounting among Tottenham Hotspur supporters regarding the club’s appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as head coach, following his controversial remarks in support of striker Mason Greenwood.
The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust held an emergency meeting on Monday, informing the club that it could not endorse De Zerbi’s hiring. The group noted that it had received numerous emails from fans expressing concerns about the manager’s past comments.
As reported earlier on Tuesday, Alli Speechly, Co-founder of the fan group Women of the Lane, also spoke out, saying: “The fact that he hired Greenwood and then publicly backed him is unforgivable. For me, that just speaks to the character of De Zerbi. I don’t want him anywhere near my football club.” She added that she would stop attending matches if De Zerbi is appointed.
De Zerbi, who previously managed Marseille, defended Greenwood in November, stating the striker had “paid strongly” after charges of attempted rape and assault were dropped in 2023. Greenwood, formerly of Manchester United, joined Marseille in July 2024 and has since scored 47 goals in 74 appearances.
Fan groups, including Women of the Lane, Proud Lillywhites (an LGBTQI+ supporters’ association), and SpursREACH, raised concerns that the appointment could conflict with the club’s values of integrity, equality, and safety.
Tristan Foot, Secretary of the Supporters’ Trust, stated: “We think that our club should reassert values of equality and respect. This appointment seems to fly in the face of that. If the club goes ahead, we will issue a formal statement reflecting our serious concerns.”
De Zerbi has agreed to a long-term deal replacing Igor Tudor and will now face the challenge of winning fan acceptance while Tottenham strive to maintain their Premier League status. Club sources confirmed that De Zerbi’s comments on Greenwood were considered during the hiring process.
The backlash mirrors Tottenham’s 2021 managerial controversy involving Gennaro Gattuso, when fan opposition over his past remarks led the club to withdraw him from consideration.
