A supporter who jeers his own team’s goalkeeper needs to look in the mirror | OneFootball

Who would be a goalkeeper?

However many shots and headers he saves, no matter the number of times he rescues his teammates, lots of supporters will shrug and say: “He’s just doing his job. It’s what he’s paid a fortune to do.”

As the last line of defence, a keeper is more vulnerable to fierce criticism than any other player.

A striker can miss three good chances, score with the fourth and be hailed the hero. He will probably be praised for persistence.

Any outfielder can misplace a pass, fail to track back, avoid making a 50:50 tackle and all will be forgotten if he ends up on the winning side.

The boot is on the other foot if you’re the No1. Woe betide a custodian who contributes to the concession of a goal, especially if it causes a defeat.

The latest goalkeeper to feel the wrath of his so-called supporters is Guglielmo Vicario.

On Saturday night he was beaten twice in three minutes as Spurs were hit by a quick one-two from Fulham early in the first half of their match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (yes, there’s still no lucrative Naming Rights Here contract).

The 29-year-old Italian was wrong-footed by a deflected Kenny Tete shot in the fourth minute. The visiting fans were still celebrating when Vicario left his area to control the ball and try to boot it upfield from the left-back position. His scuffed clearance went barely 30 yards before Harry Wilson intercepted it, exchanged passes with Josh King and curled a 40-yard lofted shot into the unguarded net.

Two down at home is familiar territory for Spurs, who have won only three Premier League games on their own patch in 2025. Perhaps that explains the boos and jeers that rained on Vicario the next time he touched the ball. Fulham fans having a laugh? No, the barracking came from home fans.

In my view such behaviour is unacceptable. Did Vicario intend to misplace his clearance? Of course not. What about his four defenders, none of whom got back on the line to cover for the keeper?

I’m no Mary Poppins and will loudly abuse any Newcastle United player refusing to give 100%. On two or three occasions in 50-odd years I have done that, to the disgust of fellow fans. I’m not ready to apologise to Kieron Dyer, Keith Gillespie or Jermaine Jenas, by the way. A failure to run, with or without the ball, is unforgivable.

As unforgivable as blaming one of your players for a genuine human error.

The dictionary definitions of support as a verb include “keep from falling or sinking or failing; give strength to, encourage; assist by one’s presence”. Supporters, by extension, should try to do all these things. They should not jeer those they profess to love unless they see a lack of effort.

Perhaps you feel entitled to vent your spleen when mistakes are made. Fair enough. You would, however, be disagreeing not only with me but with William Lamb (1779-1848) the second Lord Melbourne and husband of Lady Caroline Lamb. He was twice the prime minister and a political adviser to Queen Victoria. Not a bad CV.

This is what he thought of supporters: “What I want is men who will support me when I am wrong.”

Okay, not as famous a quote as “mad, bad and dangerous to know”, which was how his wife described her lover, Lord Byron.

Melbourne’s words are more relevant than hers to football, because support is needed most when a team or a player are blundering. Anyone can cheer from the rooftops in the good times. “Sing when you’re winning, you only sing when you’re winning” is a familiar chant.

What I suspect players appreciate, even elite players, is unstinting support in the bad times. Only a sociopath would be immune to the noise from the stands.

Tottenham will still, despite their dismal home record, be ahead of Newcastle when tomorrow’s match kicks off. Thomas Frank’s team are far better on their travels.

Since Eddie Howe took over, St James’ Park has not been a happy hunting ground for Spurs. Not for the team, who have lost all four meetings, and not for the keeper.

Vicario might well be aware that this fixture essentially ended the Tottenham career of a recent predecessor. In April 2023 Tottenham were blitzed by a rampant Newcastle, conceding five goals in the first 21 minutes. Hugo Lloris, often a hero for the Lilywhites, lasted until half-time. It was his final appearance for the club he served admirably for 10 seasons. Nine months later he left for the bright lights of Los Angeles FC on a free transfer.

That memorable match three seasons ago ended 6-1, with Fraser Forster between the sticks. Newcastle then beat them 4-0 and 2-1 in the league, followed by the 2-0 home win in the League Cup five weeks ago.

Spurs have left St James’ Park empty-handed every time since famous cricket fan Steve Bruce was mercifully relieved of his duties just over four years ago. How time flies when you’re having fun. Indeed, Howe time flies when we’re having fun.

Newcastle United fans should make the evening deeply unpleasant for Vicario or Antonin Kinsky or Brandon Austin, whoever starts in the visitors’ goal. If it’s the Italian, a few deafening reminders of Saturday’s blooper wouldn’t go amiss. What’s the point of turning up if you cannot greet the opposition with hostility?

Likewise, whether Eddie Howe picks Aaron Ramsdale or Nick Pope, give that man your wholehearted support. Don’t be like the black-and-white clad supporter outside a pub in St John’s Wood a few hours before kick-off on March 16, who told me Pope was useless and far worse than Martin Dubravka. That verdict aged well, didn’t it!

One last thought: if the Mags are losing or struggling with 15 minutes left to play, please do not leave them in the lurch. Such times are when your support for the players becomes even more important than normal. A friend in need is a friend indeed.