Tottenham fans brace for relegation, citing humiliation, pity and a broken bond | OneFootball

Tottenham supporters are bracing for the drop, many speaking of pity replacing banter and a broken bond with their club. According to Telegraph, the dread lingers despite a flicker of form.

Nottingham Forest visit on Sunday, one point and one place below Spurs. A draw with Liverpool and a second-leg win over Atlético Madrid have lifted spirits slightly, yet many still feel hope hurts most.

Season-ticket holder Alistair MacCallum says following Spurs feels like a long relationship with hope deprivation and public humiliation, punctuated only by rare moments of beauty that exist to keep you going.

Student Jake Gee, 21, says he has slipped into a pattern of disappointment and often has to defend his allegiance. Matt Bush adds he now hates rivals’ pity more than abuse, with pride ebbing away.

Dean Wallman says Spurs fans expect collapse at any moment, never feeling safe even at 3-0. Chris Leadbeater, 50, says the worry has disturbed his sleep and, after 40 years, he now expects relegation.

Some are withholding renewals despite price freezes. Season-ticket holder Joelle Chess says football should add to life but currently only takes away, while the prospect of relegation feels starker given Spurs’ status as a global financial powerhouse.

Spurs last went down in 1977 and flirted with the drop in the 1990s. Even so, many insist they will return next season whatever happens, one likening lifelong loyalty to backing a three-legged horse.

Source: Telegraph