Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has expressed his disappointment with some of the “pretty vile and detestable” chants he received from a minority of Tamworth supporters during Sunday’s FA Cup tie.
Spurs made hard work of last weekend’s third-round clash at the Vanarama National League outfit before they won 3-0 after extra time.
Postecoglou’s side turn their focus to Wednesday’s trip to rivals Arsenal but asked if he could expect another hostile atmosphere at the Emirates after an uncompromising welcome at the Lamb Ground on Sunday, the 59-year-old highlighted some of the “unacceptable” behaviour he experienced.
“As I said after the game, credit to Andy (Peaks) and his players and the people of Tamworth at the football club. I thought they did themselves proud on the day with the way they presented everything,” Postecoglou explained.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said 90 per cent of the Tamworth supporters behaved well (Joe Giddens/PA)
“(I’d say) 90 per cent of the crowd were very good and enjoyed the banter. There was 10 per cent who were pretty unacceptable.
“The stuff I heard was pretty vile and detestable, and getting things thrown at me, not a great experience, but we’re kind of expected to be the bigger person. I would have loved to have turned around and not be the bigger person in that moment, but you deal with it and go on.”
A clip went viral on Sunday of Tamworth fans directly behind Postecoglou’s away dugout repeatedly calling the former Celtic boss a “w*****” before the 59-year-old broke out into a smile.
However, moments earlier a small section of the Lambs’ support had chanted “f** Aussie b*****” at Postecoglou.
Emotions will also be high for Wednesday’s north London derby, with plenty at stake for both clubs as Arsenal’s season is in danger of petering out after back-to-back defeats in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
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Spurs, meanwhile, are 12th in the Premier League after a horror run of injuries and suspensions has contributed to a lack of consistency with only one victory from their last eight fixtures in the division.
Postecoglou described this match “as big as they ever come”, adding: “You understand it is a standalone fixture in that it means a hell of a lot to our supporters and to our club.
“So, that’s the focus and that is what we’ve got to hone in on in terms of us wanting to really bring our best performance of the day so we can make our supporters happy.
“It’s like being up in Glasgow, you’re well aware and know what it means and the ramifications of both the positive and negative.
“I’ve been on it for the first game. This year is as big as they ever come, especially for us and our season. We have to start winning games in the league and no better place to start.”
Spurs have received mixed news on the injury front with Richarlison available, but fellow forward Timo Werner (hamstring) sidelined to make it at least eight players out.
Tottenham continue to work on reinforcements with young forward Will Lankshear set to exit next after academy graduate Alfie Dorrington signed for Aberdeen on loan.
Lankshear has interest from the Sky Bet Championship and overseas and should soon get the green light from Spurs to depart on a six-month loan, the PA news agency understands.