Tottenham fan group demands ‘emergency action’ after dismal Atletico Madrid defeat | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur is facing an unprecedented crisis after a humiliating 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last-16 first leg, prompting their Supporters’ Trust to demand "emergency action."

The chaotic night saw interim head coach Igor Tudor become the first Spurs boss to lose his opening four games, while the club endured its worst losing streak in history with six consecutive defeats.

The disastrous performance was epitomised by the early withdrawal of back-up goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, whose calamitous errors led to two of Atletico's goals within the opening 17 minutes.

Kinsky's nightmare began just six minutes in when his scuffed crossfield pass allowed Marcos Llorente to open the scoring. A slip from Micky van de Ven then gifted Antoine Griezmann a second in the 14th minute.

Just 92 seconds later, Kinsky's ordeal culminated as he miscued a pass back to him, leaving Julian Alvarez to walk the ball into an empty net.

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Antonin Kinsky was taken off after 17 minutes following two early errors (PA Wire)

The visibly distraught Kinsky was substituted shortly after, following a conversation between captain Cristian Romero and Tudor.

Despite the unfolding calamity, Tudor, who has been in charge for only 25 days, remained tight-lipped about his future and the controversial decision to replace Kinsky.

When asked if captain Cristian Romero influenced the substitution, Tudor insisted: "My decision of course."

Pressed further on Kinsky's performance, he offered a terse "no comment”, adding: "It is not a topic for me. It is not about my job, it is about how to help the team. It will be always be about that. I recognise what we are and which problems we have. I recognise that every game, something happens. Sometimes it is very difficult to explain."

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) issued a scathing statement following the defeat, branding the performance a "total disgrace" and symptomatic of the club's "abysmal state of things at Spurs right now."

The Trust criticised "from the January transfer window to the management appointments, the lack of leadership and the total absence of anyone with a Spurs pedigree informing these decisions," pointedly asking: "Where is the Daring to Do? Where are the Echoes of Glory?"

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Igor Tudor insisted it was his decision to take off Kinsky (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)

They issued a stark warning: "Emergency action is needed as right now we are sleepwalking off the edge of a cliff. Being a Spurs fan has never been so difficult but supporters will not sit by and watch the club continue to decline."

The statement concluded with a demand for the club to "make us proud”, adding: "At the very least those in Madrid should have their match tickets refunded. But all we really care about is that the club make us proud. We are here to support the team and be the 12th man. But we all deserve so much more."

While Robin Le Normand extended Atletico's lead to 4-0 in the 22nd minute, Spurs did show a flicker of fight, with Pedro Porro and Dominic Solanke scoring either side of a second goal for Alvarez.

However, trailing 5-2, Tottenham's Champions League hopes appear all but extinguished.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone, despite the commanding lead, cautioned against complacency, stating: "We never know for sure if we always go through. This is the Champions League and it’s made for important players. Of course all these teams have important players."