Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has opened up on his decision to controversially cup his ear towards the away fans during Thursday night's narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Spurs went into the game hoping to dent their rivals' hopes of securing Champions League qualification for next season.
However, Tottenham's difficult campaign worsened once more with Enzo Fernandez netting the only goal of the game in the 50th minute to give his side all three points - as well as derby bragging rights.
At one point, it appeared Spurs had levelled with Pape Matar Sarr, who came on as a substitute for Lucas Bergvall, finding the net with a long distance strike.
Tottenham news: Ange Postecoglou said he wanted fans to cheer when he gestured towards them in last night's Premier League defeat to Chelsea
SKY/PA
Yet the goal was eventually disallowed, with a VAR check deeming that Sarr had committed a foul on Moises Caicedo in the build-up.
Postecoglou, after Sarr's goal, appeared to cup his ear in the direction of the away end. The Australian had clashed with his own supporters at numerous stages of the season, having received criticism over his tactics and playing style.
When asked about the incident by Sky Sports, the former Celtic boss said: "Yeah, I wanted them [the fans] to be happy, mate.
"We'd just scored a cracking goal. So I wanted them to cheer – because they haven't had a lot to cheer about."
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Postecoglou was then asked if the gesture was in reaction to his substitutes being booed.
The Tottenham boss added: "It's not the first time my substitutions have been booed. If you followed my tenure, it's not the first time.
"They're allowed to boo. But I wanted them to cheer – because I thought it was a cracking goal."
Sarr's goal, though disallowed, was a brilliant one.
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"Tell me what's clear and obvious about it mate?!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 3, 2025
Ange Postecoglou is NOT happy with the referee ruling out Pape Matar Sarr's goal 😤 pic.twitter.com/OweJQL2ZXo
Tottenham are now 14th in the Premier League table with just eight games remaining, having won just 10 of their fixtures in the competition so far.
And Postecoglou admitted he wasn't a fan of VAR after his team were denied the chance to close the gap on Manchester United, who are one place higher.
"It's killing the game, mate. It's not the same game it used to be," he continued.
"We all sat on our couches last night and watched TV – I guarantee you, if [Thursday's VAR] Jarred Gillett was the VAR last night [during the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton], we'd have got a different outcome."
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Meanwhile, though it was another difficult day at the office for Tottenham, it was a huge victory for Chelsea amid their hunt for Champions League football.
And Enzo Maresca was delighted that the Blues were able to clinch the win, despite achieving it in an 'ugly way'.
"The result is an important part because we are close to the end of the season," he admitted.
"At the same time, we try to achieve the result playing in the way we want to play.
Tottenham news: Enzo Fernandez netted the only goal of the game for Chelsea on Thursday night
PA
"At some moments the team was very good, then we don't like to finish the game like we did in the last five minutes.
"If we want to become an important team we need to win in a dirty way, ugly way and I'm quite happy.
"In the last 10 minutes I think the team showed effort, togetherness, spirit and it's something that we need."
Chelsea are next in action against Brentford on Sunday (2pm). As for Tottenham, their next game will be a showdown with Southampton at the same time.
