Who would be a goalkeeper?
No matter how many shots and headers he saves, how many times he saves his teammates, many supporters will shrug their shoulders and say: “He’s just doing his job. He paid a fortune for that.”
As the last line of defense, a goalkeeper is more vulnerable to fierce criticism than any other player.
A striker can miss three good chances, score on the fourth and be hailed as a hero. He will likely be praised for his perseverance.
Any outfielder can misplace a pass, fail to track back, avoid a 50:50 tackle and all will be forgotten if he ends up on the winning side.
The boot is on the other foot when you are number 1. Woe to the custodian who contributes to the awarding of a goal, especially if it leads to a defeat.
The latest goalkeeper to feel the wrath of his so-called supporters is Guglielmo Vicario.
On Saturday night he was beaten twice in three minutes as Spurs were hit by a quick Fulham one-two early in the first half of their match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (yes, there is still no lucrative Naming Rights Here contract).
The 29-year-old Italian was wrong-footed in the fourth minute by a deflected shot from Kenny Tete. The visiting fans were still celebrating when Vicario left his area to gain control of the ball and start up the pitch from the left back position. His scuffed clearance went just 30 yards before Harry Wilson intercepted him, exchanged passes with Josh King and curled a 40-yard shot into the unguarded net.
Two down at home is familiar territory for Spurs, who have only won three Premier League games at home in 2025. Maybe that explains the boos and jeers that rained down on Vicario the next time he touched the ball. Fulham fans laughing? No, the barracks came from home fans.
In my opinion, such behavior is unacceptable. Was Vicario planning to lose his consent? Of course not. What about his four defenders, none of whom came back on the line to replace the goalkeeper?
I am no Mary Poppins and will loudly abuse any Newcastle United player who refuses to give 100%. Twice or three times in about fifty years I’ve done that, to the disgust of my fellow fans. By the way, I’m not ready to apologize to Kieron Dyer, Keith Gillespie, or Jermaine Jenas. Not being able to run, with or without the ball, is inexcusable.
As unforgivable as blaming one of your players for actual human error.
The dictionary definitions of support as a verb include “to prevent one from falling, sinking, or failing; to give strength, encouragement; to help by one’s presence.” By extension, supporters should try to do all of these things. They should not mock those they claim to love unless they see a lack of effort.
You may feel you have the right to vent when mistakes are made. Reasonable. However, you would not only disagree with me, but also with William Lamb (1779-1848), the second Lord Melbourne and husband of Lady Caroline Lamb. He was twice Prime Minister and political advisor to Queen Victoria. Not a bad resume.
This is what he thought of the supporters: “What I want are men who will support me when I am wrong.”
Okay, not as famous a quote as “mad, bad, and dangerous to know,” as his wife described her lover, Lord Byron.
Melbourne’s words are more relevant than hers to football, because support is needed most when a team or a player blunders. Everyone can cheer from the rooftops in good times. “Sing when you win, you only sing when you win” is a well-known chant.
What I suspect players appreciate, even elite players, is the continued support in bad times. Only a sociopath would be immune to the noise from the stands.
Tottenham, despite their dismal home record, will still be ahead of Newcastle when tomorrow’s match starts. Thomas Frank’s team is traveling much better.
Since Eddie Howe took over, St James’ Park has not been a happy hunting ground for Spurs. Not for the team, which has lost all four meetings, and not for the goalkeeper.
Vicario may be aware that this match effectively ended the Tottenham career of a recent predecessor. In April 2023, Tottenham were defeated by a rampant Newcastle, conceding five goals in the opening 21 minutes. Hugo Lloris, often a hero for the Lilywhites, held on until half-time. It was his last appearance for the club he served admirably for ten seasons. Nine months later he left on a free transfer to the bright lights of Los Angeles FC.
That memorable match three seasons ago ended 6-1, with Fraser Forster between the sticks. Newcastle went on to beat them 4-0 and 2-1 in the league, followed by the 2-0 home win in the League Cup five weeks ago.
Spurs have left St James’ Park empty-handed every time since famed cricket fan Steve Bruce was mercifully relieved of his duties just over four years ago. How time flies when you’re having fun. Howe, time flies when we’re having fun.
Newcastle United fans should make the evening very unpleasant for Vicario or Antonin Kinsky or Brandon Austin, whoever starts in the visitors’ goal. If it’s the Italian, a few deafening memories of Saturday’s blooper wouldn’t go amiss. What’s the point of showing up if you can’t greet the opposition with hostility?
Likewise, whether Eddie Howe picks Aaron Ramsdale or Nick Pope, give that man your sincere support. Don’t be like the black-and-white-clad supporter outside a pub in St John’s Wood, a few hours before kick-off on March 16, who told me Pope was useless and far worse than Martin Dubravka. That verdict has aged nicely, hasn’t it!
One final thought: If the Mags lose or struggle with 15 minutes to play, please don’t let them down. At such times, your support for the players becomes even more important than usual. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
#fan #ridicules #teams #goalkeeper #mirror