In a Jeremy Kyle Clásico, Spurs come out on top in theatre of dysfunction | Tottenham Hotspur

Before the kickoff outside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, there was a tense moment as Levy Out supporters’ march came to a halt. A lone protester stood in their path holding up a Levy In sign, reminiscent of Tiananmen Square, a bold act of defiance against the tide of history.

The sign was forcibly taken from him, but he quickly produced another one. A brief scuffle broke out, only to be quelled by the police. The marchers cheered before making their way to their expensive seats inside the magnificent stadium, a testament to Levy’s commercial prowess, to watch Tottenham take on Manchester United, the struggling giant of English football.

The energy outside the stadium was palpable and authentic, mirrored inside where United fans chanted for the Glazers to leave, a sentiment many can agree with. The game was hyped as a Jeremy Kyle Clásico, a spectacle of dysfunction and drama, with underlying grudges and grievances on display.

Both sets of supporters seemed to be asking the same questions about the state of the sport today. Who truly owns football? What drives its energy? The protests against transfer decisions, poor governance, and the hyper-capitalism of the sport all reflect a deeper frustration with the current state of affairs.

The match itself ended in a 1-0 victory for Tottenham, a result that pleased their manager Ange Postecoglou. Individual players shone on the field, despite the team’s overall struggles. Spurs’ season has been marked by standout performances from players like Djed Spence, Dejan Kulusevski, and Lucas Bergvall.

Manchester United, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, with James Maddison scoring the only goal of the game early on. United looked disjointed and lacked cohesion, highlighting their ongoing struggles to find their identity under manager Ruben Amorim.

The real issue for United lies in their squad, its lack of quality, high wages, and poor recruitment decisions. The team’s bench reflected their predicament, with little depth and reliance on inexperienced players. It’s clear that United have a long way to go to compete at the top level again.

For Tottenham, the win brought a glimmer of hope. But beyond the result, the real hope lies in the resistance and dissent displayed by fans against the commercialization and commodification of the sport. In a world where money often dictates success, the passion and energy of the fans outside the game are a reminder of what truly matters in football.