Tottenham: Should players ever publicly snub their manager?

Football is an emotional game and when things are not going the way a player wants it to, they might not always react in the best way.

Here are some previous incidents of when players have snubbed their manager, along with what happened next:

Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Ten Hag

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

How it panned out: Ronaldo was dropped from the squad for the next game and in the following month he criticised United in a TV interview, saying he felt “betrayed” by the club. A week later he left the club by mutual consent.

Marc Guehi and Oliver Glasner

What happened: In August this year, Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi – at the time linked with a move to Liverpool – appeared to ignore Oliver Glasner as the Eagles boss called out to him on the pitch just after full time in a draw with Chelsea.

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

Kepa Arrizabalaga and Maurizio Sarri

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

How it panned out: Kepa apologised but was fined a week’s wages. Then Blues boss Sarri said he considered the matter closed.

Paolo di Canio and Glenn Roeder

What happened: During a game with Tottenham in September 2002, Di Canio had an outburst at Roeder on the touchline after he had been informed he would be substituted. Di Canio was eventually taken off after he calmed down.

How it panned out: Roeder played down the incident but Di Canio would continue to be critical of his manager and left in the summer of 2003 when his contract was not renewed.