Tottenham fans have erupted in anger at Micky van de Ven after his post on social media following the loss to Arsenal, with some even demanding he be dropped from the lineup.
Tensions in North London are boiling over — and the controversy has stretched far beyond the match itself.
Following Tottenham Hotspur’s painful defeat to Arsenal in the latest North London derby, defender Micky van de Ven unexpectedly became the focus of a social media storm. What started as a standard post-match message quickly sparked intense backlash, with some fans even calling for serious repercussions.
The Post That Sparked Outrage
Shortly after the final whistle, Van de Ven posted a familiar message on Instagram, thanking supporters for their backing and vowing that the team would “come back stronger.” But many Spurs fans were far from impressed.
Criticism flooded in almost immediately. Screenshots spread rapidly across X and TikTok, while fan forums buzzed with frustration. Supporters labelled the message “out of touch” given the emotional nature of the defeat, arguing it failed to properly address costly defensive errors at crucial moments.
In a rivalry as fierce as Tottenham versus Arsenal, every detail is magnified — and for some, what wasn’t said mattered more than what was.
Why Feelings Are So Intense
The North London derby is more than just another fixture. It can define seasons, shape title races, and influence the overall narrative of a campaign. After a difficult defensive display, Van de Ven came under fire, with fans pointing to positioning issues and lapses during key phases of play.
To critics, his statement felt routine rather than reflective, further fuelling the backlash. A small section of supporters even suggested he should be benched if results fail to improve.
A Split Fanbase
However, not everyone agreed with the criticism. Many supporters rushed to Van de Ven’s defence, highlighting his consistent performances across the season and stressing that defensive struggles are rarely the fault of one player alone.
Others also pointed out that post-match posts are often guided by club media teams, meaning the wording may not have been entirely personal.
The Wider Picture
The reaction underscores the growing pressure at Tottenham. Expectations are rising, and defeats — particularly against Arsenal — are heavily scrutinised. When results fall short, frustration quickly spills onto social media, where fans demand accountability.
What Comes Next?
One Instagram post is unlikely to affect Van de Ven’s position within the squad. Selection decisions are driven by form, tactical needs, and long-term value — not online criticism.
That said, sustained backlash can impact any player. His true response will be delivered on the pitch in upcoming matches.
In today’s digital age, footballers are judged on more than just their performances. Every post is dissected, every word examined. For now, Van de Ven finds himself in the eye of a storm sparked by a handful of sentences — and when Tottenham next face Arsenal, the spotlight will be firmly on how he responds where it matters most.