Tottenham Supporters’ Trust calls emergency meeting and issues strong De Zerbi statement

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) has held an emergency meeting after the club confirmed Roberto De Zerbi as their next head coach.

De Zerbi has not just been tasked with keeping Tottenham in the Premier League but also with rebuilding the side, with the Italian being handed a five-year deal by Spurs.

This is even though multiple Tottenham fan groups expressed their opposition to De Zerbi, suggesting that his appointment would reflect poorly on the values of the North London club.

The main controversy surrounds the Spurs head coach’s past comments about Mason Greenwood, who was arrested in 2020 on suspicion of rape and assault, only for the charges to be dropped in 2023.

The former Marseille boss said about the England international: “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.”

Tottenham Supporters’ Trust does not support Roberto De Zerbi appointment

BBC Sport have now revealed that THST held an emergency board meeting on Monday night after the club confirmed that De Zerbi would take charge.

Following the meeting, the Trust contacted the club to make it clear that they cannot support the 46-year-old’s appointment. THST also informed BBC Sport that they had received plenty of emails from supporters complaining about the appointment.

Ali Speechly, co-founder of Women of the Lane, told the outlet that their members also opposed the appointment, and she added that she would stop attending games over the matter.

On Tuesday, the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust released the following statement: ‘We note the Club’s announcement of the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi to the Manager role.

‘While we recognise the limited pool of managers with recent Premier League experience, and the need to act with urgency as Spurs face the prospect of relegation, this appointment raises serious and far-reaching concerns, and many fans have been in touch with us to urge us to communicate the strength of feeling.  We raised these concerns directly with the Club prior to its announcement.

‘The Club has previously committed to challenging instances of violence against women and girls and acting with integrity and upholding its values when faced with any incidents.

‘De Zerbi’s comments about Mason Greenwood were unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive to a significant number of supporters and, without doubt, will have left victims of male violence alarmed. We believe these statements, left unchecked, will create a divide among supporters at a time when we all need to be pulling together to back the team.

‘It is concerning that the Club would put us in this position right when the team needs fans the most. Fans are rallying behind the “All Together, Always” initiative, and this appointment places heavy strain on that unity. If those remarks reflect his genuine views, they cast a troubling shadow over the values of the Club we love.

‘The Club must reassert its commitment to the values that fans hold dear—chief among them equality, respect, and integrity. Any perceived sympathy toward alleged perpetrators of physical or sexual violence against women fundamentally undermines trust in the custodianship of this Club.

‘With this appointment, communications from the Club and from Mr De Zerbi must clearly and unequivocally reaffirm these values. Furthermore, those words must be backed by meaningful action, including visible and sustained support for women’s charities and organisations working to combat violence against women.

‘Our preference would have been for a short-term appointment of an individual or individuals who understand the Club and can lead the players in the seven battles to come. There would then have been an opportunity in the summer to attract a wide range of potential applicants with a track record of success in inspiring fans and players: candidates who could lead and develop sustained success for the team, for seasons to come. The Club has chosen otherwise.

‘We will continue to support efforts to get behind the team and play our part in preserving the Club’s Premier League status but it is understandable that many fans will do so with a heavy heart.

‘Our Five Principles for Spurs ownership include Leading with Integrity and Championing Ethical Standards. At present, supporters rate performance in this area at just 2.2 out of 10. This decision risks further eroding confidence unless addressed with clarity, humility, and decisive action.

‘We fully understand that the immediate priority is to avoid relegation. However, this situation is the result of prolonged strategic failings. THST have warned for years that the Club was heading in this direction, and the lack of timely, sound decision-making has now left options severely compromised.

‘It will take significant effort for many fans to restore their faith in the Club’s leadership. That process must begin with transparency, accountability and a renewed commitment to the principles that define Tottenham Hotspur.’

Spurs did consider De Zerbi’s comments on Mason Greenwood

A section of the Tottenham fans have been angered by De Zerbi’s appointment, which threatens to cause a divide in the fan base.

Interestingly, though, according to journalist Sami Mokbel, Spurs did consider De Zerbi’s comments on Greenwood before finalising the Italian’s appointment.

The Tottenham hierarchy may be hoping the controversy surrounding the former Spurs boss’s comments on Greenwood will die down soon, as the club desperately needs the fans behind them as they try to engineer a great escape. Whether that will actually happen remains to be seen.

• READ MORE: Roberto De Zerbi is committed to rebuilding Tottenham, even from Championship foundations

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