Key Points
- Micky van de Ven walked past manager Thomas Frank without acknowledging him after Tottenham’s defeat to Chelsea, sparking widespread discussion.
- Tottenham Hotspur club sources are reportedly satisfied that the incident was not a personal slight on Frank but stemmed from frustration directed at booing supporters.
- Frank asked Van de Ven and Djed Spence to applaud the fans, but both players ignored the request and went straight to the dressing room.
- Tottenham’s mood is low following a poor home record in 2025, losing 12 of 20 Premier League matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
- Fans express dissatisfaction with the overall performances under Thomas Frank and previous manager Ange Postecoglou.
- Former player Micah Richards suggests Van de Ven’s snub “looked worse than it was” and was driven by frustration.
- Gary Lineker acknowledged the incident was “not a great look” but empathised with Van de Ven’s reluctance given his role in the defeat.
What Happened Between Micky van de Ven and Thomas Frank After Tottenham’s Loss to Chelsea?
In the immediate aftermath of Tottenham’s defeat to Chelsea, Micky van de Ven was caught on camera storming down the tunnel and deliberately walking past Thomas Frank without any acknowledgement. This moment quickly became a major talking point across media platforms.
As reported by BBC Sport, the club believes the apparent snub was not directed at Frank personally but was instead a reflection of the players’ frustration aimed at the fans who booed the team off after the match. The Danish manager reportedly asked Van de Ven and fellow player Djed Spence to show appreciation by applauding the supporters, but both ignored this and headed straight to the dressing room.
The atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium remains strained, with the Lilywhites experiencing a dismal home record throughout 2025. According to reporting by Tim Sherwood for TBR Football, Tottenham have lost 12 out of 20 Premier League home matches this year, contributing heavily to a negative mood around the club.
Why Is Tottenham’s Atmosphere So Low This Season?
The deep dissatisfaction among fans and club insiders has multiple roots. Under Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities were a common complaint as the team often appeared exposed at the back. Since Thomas Frank’s takeover, criticisms have turned toward the perceived lack of adventure in Tottenham’s style of play.
Many supporters have vocalised frustrations with the quality and excitement of the football on show, questioning whether Frank’s approach can elevate the team in the Premier League. This ongoing concern over performances has only intensified after the latest defeat to a strong Chelsea side, compounding the already low team morale.
How Did Former Players React to Van de Ven’s Snub?
Micah Richards, speaking on The Rest Is Football, offered a tempered view. Richards said:
“This could just be a thing where they were so frustrated by the game and it looked worse than it was, which was probably the case. But if it wasn’t, the manager has to take a stance, I think.”
His comments suggest that while the incident seemed unusual, it might have been a heat-of-the-moment reaction rather than a calculated disrespect.
Gary Lineker, reporting on his own analysis, described the incident as “not a great look” but conveyed understanding of Van de Ven’s position, particularly because the defender was partly responsible for conceding the goal. Lineker speculated that Van de Ven and Spence may have felt too embarrassed to face the fans directly, stating:
“Maybe the two of them have gone, ‘We’ve had a nightmare, I can’t go and face the fans because it was our fault’, so you’ve got to be careful because we don’t know all the details. But at the same time, to dismiss your manager, in front of everybody, is not a great look.”
What Is Tottenham’s Official Stance on the Incident?
According to BBC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur have conveyed that they are “satisfied” the episode involving Van de Ven and Spence was not intended as disrespect towards the manager Thomas Frank. They view the players’ behaviour as frustration with the supporters and the result rather than a rebellion against the coaching staff.
This response suggests the club is keen to downplay any internal discord and present a united front amid a challenging season at home.
What Does This Incident Mean for Tottenham’s Future?
The incident highlights underlying tensions as Tottenham continue to wrestle with inconsistent results and fan unrest. While the club publicly minimises the significance of Van de Ven’s actions, the event has sharpened scrutiny of team dynamics and player-manager relationships.
Tottenham’s supporters remain eager for improvements both on the pitch and in the overall atmosphere surrounding the club. Whether this episode acts as a catalyst for reflection or further divides remains to be seen as the season progresses.
