“We Don’t Want Him” — Tottenham Supporters Demand He Stay Away from the Club

“We Don’t Want Him” — Tottenham Supporters Demand He Stay Away from the Club

Opposition to the potential appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as Tottenham Hotspur’s new head coach has continued to grow, with several fan groups and supporters voicing strong concerns about the move.

Representatives from Proud Lilywhites have been among the most outspoken critics, expressing deep frustration and disappointment at the club’s direction. Their objections were echoed by members of other supporter communities, including Women of the Lane, who feel the decision raises serious questions about the values the club claims to represent.

Alli Speechly, a prominent member of Women of the Lane, did not hold back when sharing her views on the situation. She explained that if the appointment goes ahead, it could affect her willingness to continue attending matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“I don’t want him anywhere near my football club,” she said firmly.

Speechly stressed that the issue goes far beyond football results or managerial credentials. According to her, the controversy touches on deeper principles that many supporters believe should define the identity of the club.

“This is about how we feel, this is about values, this is about integrity and, ultimately, it’s about safety,” she explained. “It’s about women feeling that they are safe around other men.”

Her comments reflect a broader concern among certain groups of Tottenham supporters who believe the club should take a stronger stance on issues related to respect, accountability and the safety of fans.

However, the debate surrounding De Zerbi’s potential arrival intensified further due to his past association with Mason Greenwood. A report published by Goal in 2024 suggested that De Zerbi not only supported Greenwood’s move to Olympique de Marseille but was also heavily involved in persuading the forward to join the Ligue 1 side.

According to that report, De Zerbi was in frequent contact with Greenwood during the transfer process and was said to have called him on a daily basis to convince him that Marseille was the right destination for his career.

Greenwood’s arrival in France sparked controversy among some Marseille supporters because of the serious allegations previously made against him. The former England international had been accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive and controlling behaviour before the charges were later dropped.

Despite the criticism that followed Greenwood’s signing, De Zerbi publicly backed the young forward and made it clear he intended to support him once he joined the squad.

Before the deal was completed, the Italian coach spoke openly about the way he views players under his management.

“What I can say is that once a player signs with Marseille, all the players, he becomes like a son to me and I will protect him from anyone,” De Zerbi said. “If I have to pull their ears or put him against the wall I will — but in front of people, I will defend him like a son.”

These remarks have since been revisited by critics who question whether his stance aligns with the values many Tottenham supporters want the club to uphold.

Among the organisations raising concerns, the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust has emerged as the most prominent body to publicly oppose the possible appointment. The group has voiced strong reservations and urged the club’s leadership to reconsider the decision.

Despite the backlash from fan organisations, campaign groups and a number of supporters online, there is little indication that the club’s hierarchy is preparing to change course.

Reports suggest that Tottenham’s leadership remains committed to bringing De Zerbi to North London, with the Italian tactician expected to be officially confirmed as Spurs’ new head coach within the next 24 hours. If that announcement does arrive, it could mark the beginning of a highly divisive chapter for the club — one where tensions between sections of the fanbase and the board may continue to intensify even before De Zerbi takes charge of his first match.