A #NoToGattuso hashtag began trending on Twitter, and the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust raised the issue with the club. It was joined by Proud Lilywhites - the LGBTQI+ Supporters' Association, and SpursREACH, which promotes the values of fans from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. The Trust issued a statement, external after De Zerbi's appointment, stating his comments were "unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive to a significant number of supporters". "The club must reassert its commitment to the values that fans hold dear - chief among them equality, respect, and integrity. "Our preference would have been for a short-term appointment of an individual or individuals who understand the club."

Source: BBC March 31, 2026 16:59 UTC