From players arguing with fans to a manager drinking out of an Arsenal-branded cup to a cryptic social media post by the captain, this was a truly devastating defeat at Bournemouth for Tottenham.
Intense scenes erupted for Spurs at the Vitality Stadium as Antoine Semenyo’s stoppage-time winner gave Cherries a 3-2 win and the north London club hit their lowest record of the season.
Thomas Frank’s disappointing side sit 14th in the Premier League table, having won just two of their last 12 league games, and there was continued frustration on social media in the early hours of Thursday.
Spurs captain Cristian Romero appeared to slam the club’s hierarchy as “lies” in an edited Instagram post.
It originally read: “In times like this, others should speak up, but they don’t – and this has been the case for several years now.
“They only show up when things are going well and tell some lies.”
However, the post was backed by team-mates Richarlison and Pedro Polo, and was later edited to remove the words “a bit of a lie”.
Romero’s full post reads: “We would like to apologize to all of our fans who follow us everywhere, who have always been there, and always will be.
“We have a responsibility, there is no doubt about it, I am the first. But we will continue to face it and try to turn things around for ourselves and the club.”
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Free to watch: Highlights of the Bournemouth vs. Tottenham Premier League win
“Others should speak up at times like this, but they don’t. The same thing has been happening for the last few years. They only show up when things are going well.
“We’re going to stay here, we’re going to work, we’re going to stick together and we’re going to do everything we can to turn things around. Especially in times like this, it’s part of football to shut up, work hard and move forward together.”
“It will be easier if we all do it together.”
The defender also made a cryptic post on social media as he paid tribute to coach Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked in June, pointing out the “many obstacles that have always existed and will continue to exist”.
Romero’s apparent fresh criticism of Spurs’ hierarchy comes after Daniel Levy stepped down as chairman in September, handing even greater control to the club’s majority owners, the Lewis Family Trust, which runs ENIC.
Tottenham chief executive Vinay Venkatesham only took up his post in April, while co-sporting director Johan Lange will be in his role from 2023.
Spurs players embroiled in controversy with fans
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Micky van de Ven and Joao Parinha confronted angry Spurs fans after defeat to Bournemouth
Romero’s post came after centre-back partner Micky van de Ven, Porro and midfielder Joao Parinha clashed with Spurs fans after the match.
After a winless start to 2026, away fans on the south coast aired their displeasure at full-time as Semenyo’s 95th-minute winner ended Bournemouth’s 11-game winless run.
Van de Ven, Polo and Parinha all had separate heated exchanges with the away support team, in a repeat of the scenes at the Vitality Stadium last season, when former manager Ange Postecoglou was subjected to abuse from the away team.
“It’s just that the supporters shared their frustration. Of course we understand and above all we respect them,” Parinha told Sky Sports.
“I just said we are fighting for the same thing.
“We want to win, as well as the players, staff and supporters. In my opinion, we are trying to get the win we deserve in the last game.”
Frank drinks from an Arsenal branded cup
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Thomas Frank explains why he used the Arsenal Cup before Spurs vs Bournemouth
Underfire’s Frank said it was “completely stupid” to deliberately drink from an Arsenal-branded cup before the defeat against Bournemouth.
The Dane’s unfortunate gaffe sparked anger among Spurs’ hapless fan base after pictures were circulated on social media.
“I didn’t notice it at all,” Frank said of the cup.
“I think it’s fair to say we don’t win every football match, so it would be absolutely, completely stupid to pick up an Arsenal cup (with the emblem on it).
“They were in the changing room in our last game as well. It’s normal for them to bring us a cup and give us an espresso, and I do that before every game. So I think it’s a bit sad in football that you have to be asked about that.”
“If I have to worry about having a cup with another club’s logo on it, then I’m definitely going in the wrong direction. Of course I would never do that. It would be very stupid.”
Thomas Frank was spotted drinking an Arsenal cup before the match
Since the start of last season, only Wolves (36 games) have suffered more defeats in the Premier League than Tottenham.
“I think it’s fair to say that today is difficult for everyone involved at Tottenham,” Frank said.
“I hope everyone can see how hard we worked to get everything going in the right direction.
“Overall we performed well, especially in the second half, we deserved more points.
“It’s understandable that people are frustrated because it’s very painful to be a part of this.
“It’s very tough sitting here now and we haven’t gotten anything out of a good performance overall.”
Sherwood wouldn’t be surprised if Frank was fired.
Former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood said this about Thomas Frank:
“It’s a tough time for the Tottenham players. It’s certainly a tough time for Thomas Frank. The fans feel it too.”
“Emotions are running high and the fans who don’t win football games are going to be frustrated. They’re not going to be entertained either. I’m worried about Thomas Frank, I’m really worried.”
“I hope he doesn’t lose his job, but we’ve seen Chelsea pull the trigger, we’ve seen Manchester United do it, I hope Tottenham don’t do it, but I’m not going to hold my breath and say he won’t be sacked.”
