Ange Postecoglou breaks silence on ‘cupping ears’ at Spurs fans and explains real reason behind gesture in wild post-match interview

Ange Postecoglou Explains Ear-Cupping Gesture Toward Spurs Fans in Fiery Post-Match Interview Following Chelsea Defeat
In a heated and headline-grabbing post-match interview, Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou addressed the moment he cupped his ears toward the travelling Spurs supporters during their contentious Premier League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The incident occurred during a tense and controversial match that ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat for Postecoglou’s side.
Thursday night’s London derby was anything but uneventful. From missed chances to contentious refereeing decisions, the clash between Chelsea and Tottenham had no shortage of drama. One of the most talked-about moments came in the second half when Spurs thought they had equalized, only for the goal to be chalked off after VAR intervened.
Pape Matar Sarr, who had only just come onto the pitch minutes earlier in place of young Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall, looked to have drawn Tottenham level with a well-taken goal. However, celebrations were cut short when VAR deemed that Sarr had caught the knee of Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo in the buildup to the goal. The decision drew boos and jeers—not just from the home crowd, but also from Spurs fans who were already questioning Postecoglou’s decision to substitute Bergvall.
In what appeared to be a pointed response to those very boos, Postecoglou turned to the away fans and cupped his ears after Sarr found the net. The gesture, brief but unmistakable, instantly sparked debate online and among pundits.
Speaking to Sky Sports shortly after the full-time whistle, a visibly frustrated Postecoglou explained his side of the story and shed light on the gesture that had everyone talking.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he told touchline reporter Patrick Davison with a wry smile. “I looked at the supporters. We just scored a cracking goal, and I wanted them to cheer because, quite frankly, they haven’t had a lot to cheer about lately.”
Postecoglou went on to acknowledge the criticism he’s received regarding his substitutions, but defended his right to make changes as he sees fit.
“It’s not the first time my substitutions have been booed—if you’ve followed my career, you’ll know that,” he said. “They’re entitled to express themselves, of course. But in that moment, I wanted them to celebrate. I thought it was a brilliant goal. Unfortunately, it didn’t count in the end.”
Earlier in the interview, the Australian coach didn’t hold back in his scathing critique of VAR, which once again played a significant role in the match.
“Look, it’s killing the game, man. It’s just not the same sport anymore,” Postecoglou began passionately. “We all sat on our couches the night before and watched the Liverpool vs. Everton game. And I guarantee you, if Jarred Gillett had been on VAR duty that night, we would’ve had a completely different outcome. It’s just so inconsistent. You never know what you’re going to get.”
He continued, visibly irritated: “You’re standing around for 12 minutes, waiting… and for what? It’s draining the life out of the game. But no one seems to care. People love the drama, the controversy. They want a 24-hour talking point rather than a fair, flowing match.”
Postecoglou’s frustration didn’t stop there. He challenged the use of the term “clear and obvious”—a phrase central to the VAR process.
“If the referee saw the incident, and then needed six minutes to decide, how is that ‘clear and obvious’? Tell me what’s clear and obvious about that. Last night, we watched one replay and everyone was like, ‘That’s a red card.’ Tonight, it took multiple angles and six minutes to decide that a little knee clash was enough to disallow a goal.”
When the interviewer pressed him further on the VAR delays and the call involving Sarr’s disallowed goal, Postecoglou’s tone became even more pointed.
“Look, Pat, you’re trying to back me into a corner here,” he said. “Did you think that challenge last night—Tarkowski on Mac Allister—was a red card? Was it clear and obvious? Okay, then.”
He added, “Now tell me, how long did it take tonight’s referee to decide whether Sarr’s contact was ‘clear and obvious’? If you have to watch something that many times, how can it possibly be considered clear and obvious?”
Postecoglou’s passionate post-match comments reflect the growing frustration among managers and fans alike regarding VAR and its ever-expanding role in the game. While his ear-cupping gesture may have sparked debate, his broader message was crystal clear—football is being lost in the confusion and chaos of prolonged video reviews.
As Spurs continue their campaign under the energetic Australian, one thing’s for certain: Postecoglou will keep wearing his heart on his sleeve and speaking his mind, regardless of the fallout.