Peter Crouch has criticised Tottenham Hotspur defenders Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence for ignoring manager Thomas Frank's request to applaud fans after last weekend's defeat to Chelsea. Spurs managed just one shot on target in a lacklustre performance, prompting boos from the home crowd at full-time.
Frank attempted to usher his players towards the fans to acknowledge them, but Van de Ven and Spence walked past him without complying. The incident quickly circulated online, and both players have since apologised. Crouch, speaking exclusively to Paddy Power, said: 'I'm glad both players have apologised. It just didn't look good.'
Crouch, a former Tottenham striker, recalled being booed by Spurs fans himself, adding: 'I've been on that pitch, and I've been booed off by Spurs fans myself, and it's not a nice feeling. You don't feel like clapping the fans, but if the manager speaks to you in that manner, then it looks like it shows a lack of respect. In the cold light of day, I think they'll look back and regret that.'
Thomas Frank played down the incident, saying: 'All the players are frustrated. They would like to win and perform well. I understand that. That is why I went around to the fans as I did. I think it is one of the small issues. We have Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence, who are doing everything they can. I don't think it is a big problem.'
