“WTF IS THAT CHANT? IF THIS CONTINUES NO CLUB WILL EVER RESPECT SUNDERLAND AGAIN” – Tottenham boss Thomas Frank blames Sunderland fans after shocking draw
Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has ignited a fresh storm in English football after blaming Sunderland supporters for his side’s frustrating 1–1 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, claiming a controversial chant from the away end changed the flow of the match and cost Spurs two crucial points.
Spurs appeared on course for victory after Ben Davies opened the scoring in the 30th minute, dominating possession and territory for long spells. But Sunderland struck late through Brian Brobbey in the 80th minute, silencing the home crowd and earning a dramatic point. While Tottenham fans pointed to missed chances and late defensive lapses, Frank focused his anger elsewhere.
In a fiery post-match interview, the Spurs manager stunned reporters with his remarks.
“What was that chant?” Frank said bluntly.
“WTF is that chant? If this continues, no club will ever respect Sunderland again. This is not support, this is disruption.”
Frank claimed the chant, which began midway through the second half and intensified as Tottenham pushed for a second goal, unsettled his players and shifted the emotional balance of the match.
“We were in control,” he explained.
“You could feel the second goal coming. Then suddenly the atmosphere changes, players are distracted, emotions rise, and the rhythm is gone. At this level, these things matter.”
The Tottenham boss insisted his comments were not about rivalry or crowd noise, but about what he described as behaviour that crossed a line and should have been addressed by officials.
“There are rules, and there are responsibilities,” Frank added.
“When something affects the game like that, the authorities must step in. Otherwise, what message are we sending?”
The reaction was immediate and intense. Sunderland fans accused Frank of making excuses for Tottenham’s inability to close out the game, pointing out that Spurs had ample chances to put the match beyond reach before Brobbey’s equaliser.
On social media, one Sunderland supporter wrote:
“Blame your defending, not our fans.”
Tottenham supporters were split. Some backed their manager, arguing that the chant was clearly intended to provoke and disrupt. Others felt Frank’s comments distracted from Spurs’ late-game management issues.
Pundits were similarly divided, with some calling Frank’s language “unnecessary,” while others acknowledged that fan conduct has increasingly become a talking point across the league.
Sunderland have yet to issue an official response, and the Premier League has not confirmed whether it will review the incident. However, the controversy shows no sign of fading.
