Tottenham: Should players publicly snub their manager?

Football is an emotional game, and when things don’t go the way a player wants, he may not always react in the best way.

Here are some past incidents in which players snubbed their manager, as well as what happened next:

Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag

What happened: In October 2022, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo – while playing for Manchester United – refused to come on as a late substitute in a 2-0 win over Tottenham and instead left the field before the end of time.

How did you get out: Ronaldo was dropped from the squad for the next match and the following month criticized United in a television interview, saying he felt “betrayed” by the club. A week later, he left the club by mutual consent.

Mark Guehi and Oliver Glassner

What happened: In August this year, Crystal Palace defender Mark Guehi – who at the time was linked with a move to Liverpool – appeared to ignore Oliver Glasner when the Eagles coach called him out on the pitch after the end of the draw with Chelsea.

How did you get out: Despite this incident, Guehi and Glasner have remained on good terms and the defender is a regular for the Eagles. However, it was confirmed last month that he will leave the club next year.

Kepa Arrizabalaga and Maurizio Sarri

What happened: During the 2019 Carabao Cup Final, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be substituted during the defeat to Manchester City.

How did you get out: Kepa apologized but was fined a week’s wages. Then Blues coach Sarri said he considered the matter closed.

Paolo Di Canio and Glenn Roeder

What happened: During a match with Tottenham in September 2002, Di Canio exploded in Roeder’s face on the touchline after being informed that he was being substituted. Di Canio was eventually taken out after he calmed down.

How did you get out: Rudder played down the incident but Di Canio continued to criticize his manager and left in the summer of 2003 when his contract was not renewed.