(Credit:Imago/ @JonnyH3232 on X)

Aasif Rahman

Mon 7 April 2025 19:00, UK

Tottenham fans called out Mathys Tel despite the forward converting a penalty in the side’s 3-1 win over Southampton.

Brennan Johnson scored twice for Tottenham in the victory, which confirmed Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League.

But controversy followed the third goal, as Johnson, who had won the penalty, was denied the chance to complete his hat-trick.

Instead, the spot-kick was taken by Tel, sparking criticism from supporters who felt the winger had earned the right to take it.

Footage after full-time appeared to show Johnson visibly frustrated with his Tottenham teammates, having missed the opportunity for a personal milestone.

Before the penalty was taken, both Johnson and Tel were seen calling for the ball, but it was Cristian Romero who ultimately handed it to the Bayern Munich loanee.

Tel calmly slotted it home, netting his first Premier League goal, but the decision left fans and Johnson himself unimpressed.

Mathys Tel struggling to make an impact at Tottenham since January loan move

The 19-year-old was eager to leave Bayern Munich during the January transfer window after making just two Bundesliga starts, but his switch to North London has yet to produce the desired impact.

Tottenham fans have already voiced their frustration at Tel, with some calling for him to be sent back to Germany following a string of underwhelming displays, as Spurs’ inconsistency in the league continues.

Tel initially rejected Tottenham before making a U-turn to join on loan, a decision that may not have sat well with the fanbase, especially now, as his performances remain under scrutiny.

Despite making more starts at Tottenham than he managed at Bayern—six in total—he has found the net just twice since arriving.

Tottenham fans label Mathys Tel ‘selfish’ after Brennan Johnson penalty row

Johnson’s brace against Southampton took him to 11 Premier League goals for the season, making him Tottenham’s top scorer in the league.

In contrast, Tel has continued to underwhelm since his January move, and supporters expressed frustration with the Frenchman’s decision to step up instead of allowing Johnson the chance to claim the match ball.

One fan posted: “Absolute disgrace Brennan not taking the pen. Mathys Tel, have a word mate” while another added: “Really selfish by Tel. Should’ve let Johnson complete his hat-trick.”