Guglielmo Vicario’s post-match gesture towards the away end following Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League first-leg round of 16 defeat to AZ Alkmaar, has sparked debate among Spurs fans, with reactions ranging from frustration to support for the Italian shot-stopper.
Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat in the Netherlands left much to be desired. An own goal from Lucas Bergvall ultimately settled the contest, but the scoreline could have been far worse.
Spurs rode their luck at times, with Troy Parrott missing a golden opportunity in a one-on-one situation, while AZ Alkmaar saw a goal-line scramble somehow stay out. The Lilywhites were second-best throughout and never truly looked like taking control of the game.
Ange Postecoglou did not sugarcoat his thoughts following Tottenham’s defeat to AZ Alkmaar, admitting his side was poor in every aspect.
Skipper Heung-min Son echoed those sentiments. Son stated that Tottenham were simply not good enough against the Dutch side and did not deserve anything from the game.
The disappointment was evident from both the manager and captain, but it was Vicario’s actions at full-time that caused the biggest stir among the travelling supporters.
Guglielmo Vicario gestures for support, but Tottenham fans are not impressed
While Postecoglou and Son voiced their frustrations in words, Vicario attempted to rally the away fans at full-time, motioning for more support. However, this did not sit well with many, who felt his actions were misplaced given the nature of the performance.
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One fan took to social media to express their frustration, saying: “Vicario et el ‘geeing’ fans up ‘waving’ hands … we all spent best part of £500 plus, concentrate on own performance instead of sly dig at fans.”
Another supporter added: “Vicario has done me, cannot believe he thought it was a good idea to give it large at the final whistle.”
One particularly strong reaction came from a fan who stated: “Vicario having a go at the away end. Happy if he never wears the shirt again.”
Another was equally unimpressed, writing: “I cannot believe Vicario wanted us to clap them off after that. Not one decent shot on target.”
A different perspective: Vicario’s importance to Spurs
Not all fans shared the outrage, with some seeing Vicario’s actions in a different light. One supporter defended him, saying: “Vicario genuinely cares, has high standards and kept us in the tie tonight – he is well within his right to tell fans to get behind the team.”
And there is no denying the Italian’s contribution on the night. Without his efforts, Spurs could have been looking at a far greater deficit heading into the second leg.
The 28-year-old made crucial saves to deny Troy Parrott and Ernest Poku, ensuring that Tottenham still have a fighting chance.