'Beyond embarrassing' - Tottenham fans erupt at 'pathetic' new FA announcement after Aston Villa clash
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'Beyond embarrassing' - Tottenham fans erupt at 'pathetic' new FA announcement after Aston Villa clash
Tottenham Hotspur fans have unleashed fury over a new FA announcement celebrating the club's historic 1901 FA Cup triumph, branding it "pathetic" and "beyond embarrassing" in the wake of a humiliating 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on January 10, 2026.
The controversy erupted after Spurs launched a high-profile campaign marking 125 years since their groundbreaking victory as the only non-league side to ever win the competition. In collaboration with Nike, the men's first team debuted a stunning all-white special edition 1901 kit during the match—a retro design featuring a heritage crest, Lilywhite sponsor logos, navy floral numbers without player surnames, and long sleeves evoking the original era[1][2][3].
Merchandise & Licensing Director Duncan Pass hailed the kit as a "truly beautiful" collector's item designed to "capture the imagination of fans young and old," with a limited run of just 1,901 replica shirts available online from 9am on match day. Each comes in a premium pack with player cards, a replica 1901 Final ticket, certificate of authenticity, branded tissue, and wax seal[1][2][3]. Match-worn shirts were auctioned for the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation[2].
The campaign, starring players like Djed Spence, Richarlison, Micky van de Ven, and Mohammed Kudus, and featuring a shirt sculpture by Alasdair Thomson, aimed to spotlight the club's legacy[3]. Yet, Spurs' loss—despite the kit's debut—sparked outrage on social media. Fans called the timing a "what a joke," accusing the FA and club of rubbing salt in the wound post-defeat. "Beyond embarrassing—we lose in our special kit and they announce this now?" one supporter raged online[1].
Critics labeled the announcement "tone-deaf," arguing it glorifies past glories amid current struggles. The backlash highlights tensions between celebration and performance, with many demanding focus shift to on-pitch results over merchandise hype.
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