The press has clearly sided with Frank
The Athletics Praised Frank’s criticism as “unacceptable” booing, noting Vicario’s grace after the match (“it’s part of football”). Highlighted the growing gap between fan and manager. Their tone was supportive of Frank; empathetic to Vicario.
At the BBC, Sutton defended Frank and said fans should support him. That is neutral reporting with advocates of unity. Meh.
The Guardian described Frank’s anger as justified, quoting him about ‘supporting each other when you’re on the pitch’, and noted a rancorous atmosphere with boos at half-time/full-time.
The Daily Mail is live blog called Frank “right to feel this way”; and a later article highlighted his hit back to “UNACCEPTABLE” boos. Speculates on his future amid “breaking point” with fans. That was a little more balanced, but tended toward validating Frank’s frustration.
Football London detailed every word of Frank’s ‘irritated’ presser; clarified that he was targeting Vicario-specific booing as the problem (“You can’t go after one player”). This typifies the ‘don’t bite the hand that feeds you’ attitude of the pressroom boys.
The incident underlines Tottenham’s mid-season crisis, with Frank’s comments risking an escalation of tensions among fans but also prompting calls for unity.
Vicario played down the boos as ‘part of football’ but the episode has fueled speculation about Frank’s tenure – only Wolves have a worse home record this season.
Frank’s passion is admirable, but results must improve to close the gap.
Our take on fan reaction
Fans are an essential part of the story; if you don’t want the audience’s participation, shut them out.
It is condescending to demand that supporters who have generally spent fortunes on travel, food and accommodation should respond like operagoers.
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