Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has slammed the treatment of Davinson Sanchez by Spurs supporters during their defeat against Bournemouth.
Sanchez, who did not start the game but was brought on in the first half to replace the injured Clement Lenglet, was responsible for the poor defending that led to Bournemouth scoring their second goal.
As a result, the 26-year-old Colombian defender was booed at every touch he took after that as confirmed by Alasdair Gold as well.
Boos from around the stadium for Davinson Sanchez when he next touches the ball after the kick-off, and again soon after. That was uncomfortable to watch.
— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) April 15, 2023
This was perhaps was one of the reasons manager Cristian Stellini took him off soon after with and replaced with Arnaut Danjuma.
Lloris expressed shock at the behavior of the fans towards Sanchez, stating that he had “never seen this” in his entire career.
Speaking to BeinSports (via Daily Mail) after the game, Lloris defended his teammate, saying:
‘It started earlier, it’s when he came on the pitch.’
‘I’ve never seen this in my career. I feel really bad for Davinson. He’s a team-mate, he’s a friend and he’s been fighting for the club for many many years now, and it’s just sad.
‘The story is sad for the club, for the fans, for the player. It’s something you don’t want to see in football.’
Manager Cristian Stellini also came to Sanchez’s defense, stating that the decision to take him off was purely tactical and that he would have no hesitation in starting him again. Stellini emphasised the need for unity in the dressing room and among the team in order to overcome the tough moment they are facing.
He said (via The Sun):
“Davinson has to know it was only a tactical decision (to take him off) but we need to support him because it’s a tough moment for him and also for all the team.
“We have to create unity in our dressing room and in between us, and we will do.”
The defeat against Bournemouth dealt a significant blow to Tottenham’s hopes of finishing in the top four and qualifying for Champions League football next season.
