Overview
- Thomas Frank said Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence visited him unprompted to apologise for walking past him at full-time, stressing they meant no disrespect.
- Television footage showed the pair heading for the tunnel rather than acknowledging the manager’s request to applaud supporters after a 1-0 loss to Chelsea marked by an Opta-record xG of 0.05.
- Frank confirmed Lucas Bergvall is in concussion protocol and will miss the next two matches, while Spence and Mohammed Kudus have knocks but could be available against FC Copenhagen.
- Pundits and sections of the fanbase criticised the players, with Micah Richards suggesting they should be dropped if the act was disrespectful, though Frank said the matter is closed internally.
- A lip reader quoted by multiple outlets claimed Spence said, “I ain’t doing it… go away,” though Frank emphasised the episode reflected post-match frustration rather than a deeper rift.