Tensions flared at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday evening as Djed Spence appeared to snub Thomas Frank following Spurs’ 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, sparking widespread debate.
What initially looked like a brief post-match exchange quickly turned into a moment of visible frustration, one that raised questions about dressing room unity and player-management dynamics at Tottenham.
The incident occurred moments after the final whistle, when cameras captured Spence and teammate Micky van de Ven walking past Frank and refusing to shake his hand.
Both players appeared visibly angry after a disappointing loss, but it was Spence’s reaction that drew the most attention.
What Djed Spence told manager Thomas Frank
According to Daily Mail lip-reading expert Jeremy Freeman, the 24-year-old was heard saying: “I ain’t doing it… go away,” before waving off his manager’s attempts to engage him.
Freeman also suggested Spence muttered “leave me… off” during the brief exchange, although that part of the dialogue was less clear.
The emotional outburst came after a tense match in which Tottenham struggled to create chances, with Chelsea’s tactical discipline frustrating the home side.
For Spence, who has recently broken into the England setup and earned praise for his energetic displays, the defeat was clearly difficult to take.
Football journalist Oliver Holt described the exchange as “a worrying sign,” suggesting it might indicate growing tension within the squad after a run of inconsistent results.
Have Spurs defender and manager fallen out?
Yet, insiders at Tottenham insist the relationship between Frank and Spence remains professional, emphasising that both men share mutual respect and a desire to move forward.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp added perspective, saying, “You want your players to show emotion. Djed’s young, ambitious, and clearly frustrated. The key now is how the manager handles it, whether he turns that fire into motivation.”
Frank’s calm response suggests he’s eager to draw a line under the incident, but all eyes will be on Tottenham’s next fixture to see how Spence reacts.
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If what he said is true, then for me he’s done with this club – sell in next transfer window !
No. He’s a footballer that clearly cares that we lost to Chelsea again. He was gutted and felt responsible for the goal alongside VDV. If only some of the Spurs fans generated and showed his passion for the badge. Honestly, it’s like going to the theatre in some parts of the ground – fan waiting to be entertained or hearing every ball and feeling every tackle like proper fans do… media trying to get at Spurs time after time.