‘Progress matters’ – Three Tottenham fan groups say no to Roberto De Zerbi due to ‘culture risk’
Tottenham Hotspur supporter groups have now issued a warning to the club against the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as manager.
It is no news that Tottenham Hotspur are in search of a new manager, with reports claiming that Igor Tudor‘s time in the Spurs dugout might be coming to an end after a winless domestic run.
One of the names closely linked with the Tottenham job is Roberto De Zerbi, who is out of work after departing Marseille earlier this year.
The former Brighton manager is not keen on a move to Spurs at the moment, according to reports, instead preferring to consider his options in the summer.
Tottenham fans oppose Roberto De Zerbi move amid Mason Greenwood controversy
Tottenham supporter groups Women of the Lane, Proud Lilywhites, and Spurs Reach have released statements calling on the club not to hire De Zerbi should they decide to sack interim manager Tudor.
This stems from De Zerbi’s staunch defence of Mason Greenwood, who moved to Marseille in 2024, two years after he was arrested on suspicion of rape, assault, and coercive and controlling behaviour.
The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges the following year, citing the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light, while Greenwood has denied all charges.
Speaking previously about Greenwood after his move, De Zerbi expressed his personal view on the player and his situation, stating (DailyMail): “He’s a good guy, he paid a heavy price for what happened, a very heavy price. He has found the right environment for him.
“We have lent him a hand and given him affection. He’s a little bit introverted, but I know him and his family. It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described in England.”
Spurs supporter groups voice concerns over Roberto De Zerbi links
The supporter groups have since issued strong statements outlining their concerns, arguing that such comments risk downplaying serious issues.
Women of the Lane said the situation ‘raises serious questions about judgement and leadership’, adding that managerial appointments reflect club values.
The statement read: “Clubs signal their values through the decisions they make. Who they appoint matters. The manager sets the tone, every day, for what is expected, what is tolerated, and how people are treated.
“At a time when Spurs need to rebuild, that culture matters as much as anything on the pitch.
“For many in our community, this is difficult to reconcile with the club’s stated commitments to respect, safety and inclusion. This is not an appointment Tottenham Hotspur should make. It introduces unnecessary cultural risk without a clear, proven track record to justify it.”
Proud Lilywhites added that the club has a responsibility to shape how people feel and what behaviour is acceptable, stressing the importance of leadership in maintaining an inclusive environment.
Their statement read: “When someone in that position publicly defends a player like Mason Greenwood, and frames it in a way that downplays the seriousness of what happened, it matters, not just in isolation but in what it signals.
“We are proud of the progress that has been made in making football more inclusive and welcoming. That progress matters, and it cannot be compromised or treated as secondary. We are not asking for perfection. We are asking for accountability, transparency, and leadership that reflects the values this club claims to stand for.
“All together, always. That has to mean something. No to De Zerbi.”
Spurs Reach also highlighted concerns around the messaging of such remarks, stating: “Comments previously attributed to Roberto De Zerbi, including public remarks defending and contextualising Mason Greenwood following serious allegations, have been widely criticised for appearing to minimise the gravity of violence against women.
“Regardless of intent, framing of this nature risks normalising harmful attitudes, diminishing the experiences of survivors, and sending a deeply concerning message about what is tolerated within the game.”
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