Tottenham Hotspur’s interim manager, Ryan Mason, has rejected claims that Harry Kane bid farewell to the club’s fans during their recent match against Brentford. Mason also expressed his disappointment at completing a lap of honor in an almost empty stadium.
Despite taking the lead against Brentford through an impressive goal by Kane, who has had an exceptional individual season with 28 Premier League goals, Tottenham couldn’t maintain their advantage. The team struggled defensively in the second half, leading to a 3-1 victory for Brentford.
Kane’s contract with Tottenham is set to expire in a year, fueling speculations of a potential departure from the club. Manchester United has been rumored as a top contender to sign the English striker, seeking to bolster their attacking prowess. With a desire to win trophies, many Spurs fans fear that Kane may have played his last game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Kane’s subdued waves to the crowd after the match only heightened these concerns.
When asked about Kane’s gestures and the possibility of him leaving the club, Mason emphatically dismissed the idea, stating that Kane has waved to the crowd every season. He recalled similar speculations two years ago, indicating that the current situation might not necessarily indicate an imminent departure. Mason highlighted that it was the last home game of the season, and Kane wanted to show his appreciation for the support received throughout the campaign.
Asked if it hurt to have to experience such an empty, joyless lap of appreciation, Mason replied: ‘Of course.
‘It is understandable because of how probably the second two-thirds of the season have gone on and off the pitch but ultimately we know the fans will be there next season.
‘This club will keep moving forward and now is the time where we need to be stronger than ever and believe in what we’re going to do, commit to it and have people that are committed to it. And I always say in football things can change very quickly and the energy can change quickly.’
The low turnout of Tottenham fans during the end-of-season awards and lap of honor was noticeable. After Brentford’s third goal, accompanied by boos and chants demanding the removal of chairman Daniel Levy, the crowd began to disperse. Mason acknowledged the disappointment of experiencing such an empty and joyless lap of appreciation. However, he expressed confidence that the fans would return next season and emphasized the need for strength, belief, and commitment to move the club forward.
Kane’s goal against Brentford allowed him to secure yet another record, becoming the first player to score in 25 different Premier League matches. This surpasses the previous record of 24 set by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah during the 2017-18 season. However, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who has scored in 23 matches, still has the opportunity to surpass Kane’s record this season, with three matches remaining.
In Spurs’ final game of the season against Leeds United, Kane will aim to achieve another milestone by becoming the first player to score 30 or more goals in two separate Premier League campaigns.