To my mind, you pay your money, you take your choice. Football isn’t a religious cult; it’s a sport. Fans are paying through the eyeballs, and they quite rightly expect more. I’d charge supporters £10 a head for all games, and you watch the atmosphere improve.
The press has firmly sided with Frank
The Athletic Praised Frank’s criticism as “unacceptable” booing, noting Vicario’s post-match grace (“it’s part of football”). Highlighted the growing fan-manager disconnect. Their tone was supportive of Frank; empathetic to Vicario.
Over at the BBC, Sutton defended Frank, saying fans should back him. Which is neutral-reporting with pro-unity punditry. Meh.
The Guardian described Frank’s anger as justified, quoting him on ‘supporting each other when you’re on the pitch,’ and noted a rancorous atmosphere with half-time/full-time boos.
The Daily Mail’s Live blog called Frank “right to feel like that”; and a later article emphasised his hit back at “UNACCEPTABLE” boos. Speculates on his future amid “breaking point” with fans. Which was a little more balanced but leaned toward validating Frank’s frustration.
Football London detailed every word of Frank’s “irritated” presser; clarified he targeted Vicario-specific booing as the issue (“You can’t go after one player”). This typifies the ‘don’t bite that hand that feeds you’ attitude of the press room boys.
The incident underscores Tottenham’s mid-season crisis, with Frank’s comments risking escalation in fan tensions but also rallying calls for unity.
Vicario downplayed the boos as “part of football,” but the episode has fuelled speculation about Frank’s tenure—only Wolves have a worse home record this season.
Frank’s passion is admirable, but results must improve to heal the divide.
Our view on the fan reaction
Fans are a vital part of the story; if you don’t want the audience participation, then lock them out.
It is condescending to demand that supporters who, generally speaking, have spent fortunes on travel, food and accommodation, have to react like opera goers.