Discipline on and off the pitch is always under the microscope in football, and Tottenham Hotspur recently found themselves at the centre of scrutiny. After their 1-0 home defeat to Chelsea, Spurs boss Thomas Frank asked his players to complete a lap of appreciation around the stadium, a routine gesture he expects after every home game.
00:00Discipline on and off the pitch is always under the microscope in football and Tottenham Hotspur recently found themselves at the centre of scrutiny.
00:10After their 1-0 home defeat to Chelsea, Spurs boss Thomas Frank asked his players to complete a lap of appreciation around the stadium, a routine gesture he expects after every home game.
00:22Most complied but Miki van der Ven and Jed Spence were caught on camera, ignoring their manager heading straight down the tunnel instead.
00:33The incident sparked debate with emotions running high after a disappointing loss and growing tension from fans in recent weeks. Some argued the reaction was understandable.
00:44Others including former Manchester City defender Nader Manua stressed that players should at least acknowledge the manager.
00:54Sometimes you have to play this merry little dance, he said.
00:58Former Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul added that while frustration is neutral, showing anger towards a manager in public never looks good.
01:06Spurs have reportedly accepted that the snub was not a direct slight at Frank, but an expression of frustration after a run of poor results.
01:16The episode nevertheless serves as a reminder of the delicate balance in professional squads between emotion, discipline and respect.
01:24Miki and Jett came into my office yesterday unpromptu. Just said, I want to say sorry for the situation. They didn't want it to look bad or disrespectful or all kind of perception you can get in this beautiful media world.
01:44So that was not their intention at all towards me or the team or the club.
01:48For Spurs, van der Ven and Spence's actions are unlikely to have lasting consequences, but the incident highlights a recurring theme among London clubs.
01:59Players must manage frustration while maintaining professionalism.
02:03In a city packed with rivalries and media scrutiny, the way players respond under pressure can define not just matches, but careers.
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