Fan groups raise objections to Roberto De Zerbi appointment at Tottenham Hotspur

• Roberto De Zerbi appointment at Tottenham Hotspur has prompted public responses from multiple supporter groups
• Comments previously made by De Zerbi about Mason Greenwood have been cited as a central reason for the reaction
• Groups including Proud Lilywhites, Women of the Lane, Spurs Reach and the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust have issued statements outlining their positions

The appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as manager of Tottenham Hotspur has drawn strong responses from several supporter groups linked to the club.

Multiple fan organisations, including Proud Lilywhites, Women of the Lane, Spurs Reach and the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust, have expressed reservations tied to remarks previously made by De Zerbi regarding Mason Greenwood. Those remarks were made during his time managing Olympique de Marseille, where he described Greenwood as a good person and suggested he had been treated unfairly in public perception.

De Zerbi’s comments followed Greenwood facing charges in October 2022 that were later dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew and new material emerged. Greenwood later resumed his career abroad.

Proud Lilywhites issued statements both before and after the appointment was confirmed. The group emphasised the role of leadership in setting standards within the club and raised concerns about public comments that appeared to minimise the seriousness of past allegations involving Greenwood. The group stated that managers influence culture through their words and actions, and that leadership positions carry responsibility for the tone set around the club.

After the appointment was made official, Proud Lilywhites confirmed that they would continue supporting the team while maintaining their position. The group stated that their stance reflects a considered view rather than a reaction, and that they will continue to express it while supporting players on the pitch.

Women of the Lane also raised objections before and after the appointment. The group described itself as a space for women and non binary supporters and said the decision raised questions about judgement and leadership. It stated that De Zerbi had previously spoken about Greenwood in a way that, in their view, downplayed the seriousness of violence against women.

Following the confirmation, Women of the Lane said that organisational culture is reflected in decisions rather than statements. The group added that the appointment signals what the club is prepared to accept and that they will continue to challenge that position.

Spurs Reach, the club association representing race, ethnicity and cultural heritage supporters, also shared concerns prior to the announcement. The group warned that earlier comments by De Zerbi risked normalising harmful attitudes and diminishing the experiences of survivors. After the appointment, Spurs Reach reiterated that its members value inclusion and representation and want leadership that reflects those principles.

The group later confirmed continued support for the team while maintaining its position on the appointment. It stated that supporters remain constant regardless of changes in management and that collective support for the club extends beyond individual appointments.

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust issued a detailed response after the announcement. The organisation acknowledged the competitive pressures facing the club but stated that the appointment raised significant concerns among supporters who had contacted them directly. It described De Zerbi’s previous comments as ill judged and offensive to many fans, and said such remarks may have caused distress to individuals affected by violence.

The Trust added that any perceived sympathy towards individuals accused of serious offences could affect confidence in the leadership of the club. It also stated that it would continue to support efforts to maintain the club’s league status while recognising that some supporters may do so with reservations.

In Tottenham’s official announcement of De Zerbi as manager, there was no reference to the reactions from supporter groups or to his earlier public comments. Club sporting director Johan Lange described De Zerbi as a leading coach with experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League, and identified him as a primary target for the role.

De Zerbi is scheduled to take charge of his first match as Tottenham manager away against Sunderland on April 12.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

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