Tottenham Manager Thomas Frank Calls Vicario Booers 'Not Real Supporters'
The Cottagers Start Strong to Defeat Spurs and Increase Pressure on the Manager
Tottenham Hotspur fans who jeered goalkeeper Vicario were informed afterwards "those individuals cannot be real Spurs fans" by boss Thomas Frank.
Spurs conceded two goals in the opening six minutes to lose 2-1 to their opponents, registering their 10th top-flight home loss of the year.
But the main talking point was Fulham's next score when Vicario gave away the ball far beyond his box.
He came out to handle a high pass and carried the ball towards the sideline.
However, instead of kicking it out of play, the Italy international spun and tried to clear away, but slipped as the ball skimmed off Harry Wilson and was controlled by King.
The forward laid the ball off to Welsh midfielder Harry Wilson, who bent a strike into the net from the touchline recorded at thirty-six point six yards.
Moments afterwards when the ball came to Vicario again, some Spurs supporters jeered him.
Spurs were booed off at half-time, with the club 2-0 behind, and once more at the final whistle.
A particular of those booing episodes really angered Frank.
"I heard a few of our fans reportedly jeered the situation and booed after, which, in my view is completely unjustifiable," the Danish manager commented regarding the fans' response to his shot-stopper.
"Those individuals can't be real Spurs supporters that do that. Fair enough jeering following the match, fine, but when we are in play, we are backing each other, we are with each other moving ahead."
Tete had handed the visitors a early lead prior to Wilson's strike – with Kudus netting for Spurs in an improved second period showing.
Ex- Premier League goalkeeper Joe Hart stated that the second goal was "completely avoidable".
"I do understand the supporters' frustration," the ex-keeper added. "I know the role Vicario is playing. He's a great squad member, he's a true leader in the dressing room but in the end you are going to be judged by your actions.
"He was deeply implicated in what turned out to be the decisive goal."
'It's Part of Football, I Can Handle It'
Frank Defended His Goalkeeper Vicario Following the Match
Italy international Vicario is in his 3rd campaign with Spurs.
The 29-year-old said following the match that he had to take the feedback.
"That goal was a mistake of mine, I take responsibility for that," he commented.
"My aim was to clear the ball long and I just hit the ball in a bad way. It was an even bigger mountain to climb."
He said receiving jeers "comes with football".
"I am mature, what can I say?" he continued. "The team cannot be affected by the situation in the crowd. Supporters have the entitlement to do what they think.
"It is on the team to remain increasingly calm, to focus on our own performance. The team is missing in calmness and calmness to overturn outcomes. This match is a poor defeat and it is hard to take."
'I Was Surprised No One Returned to the Goal Line'
Despite Vicario's mistake, it was far from an simple goal for Harry Wilson to convert.
Actually it was the next longest-range top division goal of the season – following Adams' 43.3 metre strike for the Cherries against Sunderland, which incidentally too came on the same day.
Wilson stated he was "a little bit surprised" that he still had an open net to target.
10 seconds passed between Vicario exiting of his box and the midfielder shooting – which was five moments following the clearance.
"It seemed to me like the keeper was away from the box for a long time," he said.
"I was surprised not one of the defenders returned to the goal line. When not one of them defended the goal, my interest lit up somewhat.
"Udogie slipped too, which allowed me a bit of extra time. Then it was solely about attempting to achieve the correct connection and get it towards goal. I felt a positive feeling, the moment it left my foot, that it was on the right line."
'When You're in a Bad Spell, All Seems to Go Against You'
Jeering Whilst We Are Still in Play Is Completely Unacceptable - the Manager
While Vicario's error led headlines, this was an all-round bad performance for Spurs to continue their home ground woes.
The match was their 10th at home loss of the year in the Premier League, a joint club record matching nineteen ninety-four and 2003.
The side still have home games against Frank's former club Brentford and title holders Liverpool to come before the end of the season.
Only one of those victories have occurred after Frank took over from Ange Postecoglou in the off-season.
"When you're behind 2-0 following six minutes, there is a huge challenge to climb," said Frank.
"When you're in a bad spell, everything seems to work against you too – the first was a redirected shot, the next is a mistake from the keeper.
"This result puts us in a position where we have suffered another match. Each fixture has a single narrative, today we were defeated in the first six minutes.
"We just need to keep working. The second half was much better and hopefully something we can use to learn."
Spurs have been defeated in four straight home capital clashes for the initial time in the Premier League.
Furthermore they are recording 9.5 attempts and three point two efforts on goal per match in the Premier League – their poorest averages on record in a single campaign (dating back to 2003-04).
Former Cottagers midfielder Murphy stated that Frank has to endure the criticism.
"He must take the stick," the pundit said. "He's taken a high profile job at a huge team with massive anticipation. There is scrutiny and duty that comes with that.
"The performances at home have been disappointing and they have to get better {quickly|