Tottenham Manager Thomas Frank Calls Vicario Critics 'Not Real Supporters'

Spurs supporters who booed keeper Vicario were informed afterwards "they can't be true Spurs fans" by boss Thomas Frank.

Spurs conceded two goals in the first six minutes to lose 2-1 to Fulham, marking their 10th Premier League at home loss of the year.

However the primary talking point was the visitors' second score when Vicario lost possession well outside his box.

The goalkeeper came out to deal with a long ball and carried the ball near the touchline.

But, rather than booting it out of play, the Italy international spun and tried to clear away, but lost his footing as the ball skimmed off Harry Wilson and was controlled by Josh King.

The forward passed the ball off to Wales midfielder Wilson, who curled a shot into the goal from the touchline recorded at 36.6 yards.

Moments afterwards when the ball went to the keeper again, some Tottenham supporters booed him.

Spurs were booed off at half-time, with the side 2-0 behind, and again at full-time.

One of those jeering episodes really angered Frank.

"It came to my attention some of our fans reportedly jeered the incident and booed following, which, in my view is totally unacceptable," the Danish manager commented regarding the supporters' response to his goalkeeper.

"Those individuals cannot be real Spurs fans that act that way. Fair enough booing following the game, no problem, but when we are playing, we are supporting each other, we are with one another moving ahead."

Kenny Tete had given Fulham a fourth-minute advantage prior to Harry Wilson's strike – with Mohammed Kudus netting for Spurs in an better second period showing.

Ex- top-flight goalkeeper Joe Hart stated that the second score was "completely preventable".

"I do understand the fans' frustration," Hart added. "I know the part the keeper is playing. He's a excellent team player, he is a true leader in the locker room but in the end you are going to be assessed by your actions.

"He was heavily involved in what turned out to be the decisive score."

'It's In the Game, I'm a Big Man'

Italian international Vicario is in his third campaign with Spurs.

The 29-year-old said following the game that he had to take the criticism.

"That score was a mistake of mine, I accept responsibility for it," he said.

"My aim was to kick the ball long and I just struck the ball in a bad way. It was an more difficult challenge to climb."

He stated receiving jeers "is part of the game".

"I'm a big man, how can I respond?" he added. "The team can't be influenced by the situation in the stands. The fans have the right to do as they see fit.

"It's on us to remain increasingly calm, to concentrate on our own performance. The team is lacking in calmness and calmness to reverse outcomes. This match is a poor defeat and it's hard to take."

'It Shocked Me Nobody Went Back to the Goal Line'

Despite Vicario's error, it was far from an easy goal for Wilson to score.

In fact it was the second longest-range top division goal of the season – after Tyler Adams' 43.3 yard strike for Bournemouth against Sunderland, which interestingly also occurred on the same day.

The goalscorer said he was "somewhat taken aback" that he still had an empty net to target.

10 seconds passed between the keeper coming out of his area and Wilson shooting – which was 5 moments after the kick.

"It seemed to me like the keeper was away from the area for a long time," Wilson said.

"It amazed me not one of the defenders returned to the goal line. When not one of them covered the net, my interest lit up somewhat.

"Udogie fell as well, which allowed me a bit of additional time. After that it was all about attempting to achieve the right connection and get it on target. I felt a good feeling, the moment it came off my boot, that it was heading in."

'When You're in a Poor Run, All Seems to Work Against You'

While Vicario's mistake led coverage, this was an overall poor performance for Tottenham to extend their home ground struggles.

The match was their 10th at home loss of the year in the league, a joint club statistic along with nineteen ninety-four and 2003.

They still have home fixtures against Frank's former club Brentford and title holders the Reds to play prior to the end of the season.

Just a single of those victories have occurred since the manager took over from his predecessor in the summer.

"If you are down 2-0 following six minutes, there is a mountain to overcome," said Frank.

"When you're in a poor run, everything appears to work against you too – the opening was a redirected attempt, the next is a error from Vic.

"This result leaves us in a place where we have suffered another game. Every game has a single story, this game we were defeated in the first six minutes.

"We just need to continue striving. The second half was significantly improved and hopefully an aspect we can utilize to learn."

Tottenham have been defeated in four consecutive home capital clashes for the initial time in the top division.

Furthermore they are averaging nine point five shots and three point two efforts on goal per match in the Premier League – their lowest averages on file in a one campaign (dating back to 2003-04).

Ex- Fulham midfielder Murphy commented that Frank has to endure the criticism.

"He must take the criticism," Murphy said. "He has accepted a prestigious job at a huge team with enormous expectation. There is pressure and duty that comes with that.

"Their showings at home have been disappointing and they have to improve {quickly|