Spurs manager Thomas Frank explains Arsenal-branded cup controversy

Before kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Frank was seen on the pitch carrying a cup that appeared to feature Arsenal branding. The image sparked backlash from Spurs supporters.

After the match, Frank addressed the situation and denied any intent. The 52-year-old manager said: “Definitely not noticed it. I think it's fair to say that we're not winning every single football match so it would be absolutely, completely stupid of me to take a cup with Arsenal. Is there anyone thinking I've done that? All the staff has done it”.

Frank explained that the cup was handed to him by staff without him noticing the logo. He added that Bournemouth had played Arsenal at the same stadium the previous week, suggesting the cup may have been left behind. According to Frank, the incident was unintentional and taken out of context.

The Danish coach said he was disappointed by the reaction from fans and stressed that he would never deliberately do such a thing. He also said he should not have to answer questions like this, especially after a difficult result on the pitch.

Tottenham lost the match 2-3 to Bournemouth. In what is expected to be Antoine Semenyo’s final appearance for the club, the forward scored a stoppage-time winner to seal the victory. The defeat marked Spurs’ eighth league loss of the season, with just one win in their last five Premier League matches. Tottenham are now 14th in the table with 27 points, four points behind ninth-placed Fulham.

Tensions rose further after the final whistle. Fans called for Frank to be sacked, defender Micky van de Ven was involved in an exchange with supporters, and captain Cristian Romero publicly criticized the club’s board. Frank stated about van de Ven's situation: “I haven't seen that, that's one thing. I think it's fair to say everyone involved in Tottenham, players, staff, fans, everyone is a tough one to take today.

“I think hopefully everyone can see how hard we worked to get everything in the right direction. And I think overall the performance was good, especially in the second half, in a game where we deserved to get more. That is extremely painful to be part of, so of course people are frustrated, I'm frustrated, so that's natural.”

Tottenham’s upcoming fixtures include Aston Villa on 11 January, West Ham on 17 January, and a Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund on 21 January.