Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has strongly criticised the abuse directed at forward Brennan Johnson following the team’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the North London derby.
As reported by The Standard, Johnson deactivated his Instagram account after facing harsh backlash on social media.
Postecoglou expressed his frustration over the growing normalization of such abuse in football, emphasising that Johnson, like many young players, is dedicated to improving his game and doesn’t deserve to be subjected to personal attacks.
The Spurs boss highlighted the young forward’s work ethic, noting that Johnson is always seeking feedback and pushing himself to reach his full potential.
While Postecoglou acknowledged that constructive criticism is part of being a professional footballer, he drew a clear line between that and the abusive comments Johnson received.
He also questioned the mentality of individuals who hide behind anonymity online to post such toxic remarks.
Postecoglou strongly condemned the behaviour, stating:
“I hate how we’ve just normalised all that stuff. You’re talking about a young guy who is probably lacking a bit of confidence at the moment. Things haven’t gone his way.”
“But he comes here every day, he’s working his backside off, he’s asking for feedback, he’s doing everything right, he’s trying so hard to become the player he wants to be, it’s hurting him a lot.
“Criticism is one thing, exasperation at a game, you accept that. To sit down and write something abusive anonymously… say it in front of me, you’ll get a punch on the nose, you won’t do it again, mate.”
Johnson did not let the online abuse affect him as he came off the bench to score the winner against Coventry City yesterday.
