Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has taken to social media to apologise to any supporters offended by his actions following Thursday's 1-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.
Spurs experienced disappointment on their trip to the Netherlands, falling to a narrow loss following Lucas Bergvall's first-half own goal.
As a result, Ange Postecoglou's side have work to do in Thursday's home leg if they are to turn the Europa League last-16 tie in their favour.
Vicario made a gesture with his arms in an attempt to encourage supporters following the final whistle in the Netherlands.
However, the Italian appeared to react angrily to the response that he received from the travelling support before leaving the pitch at the AFAS Stadion.
© Imago
Vicario issues apology to Spurs fans
After his reaction drew criticism from some Spurs supporters, Vicario took to social media to apologise and explain that he "understands the frustration of the fans".
In an Instagram post, Vicario wrote: "As a team, we take full responsibility for our terrible performance on the pitch last night. We will work even harder to understand, as a mature group, what went wrong.
"Still, we have a great opportunity, starting from Sunday, to redeem ourselves and prepare in the best way possible for the second battle next Thursday.
"Regarding what happened at the final whistle in front of the away section, I want to clarify my intention to keep everyone as united as possible, even in the disappointment we have caused our people.
"If I have offended anyone, I apologise to those who felt affected. Post-match emotions can be misunderstood, but I assure you that my commitment to this team and you, our fans, grows stronger day after day.
Vicario receives Postecoglou backing
Before Vicario issued an apology, Postecoglou told reporters that Vicario's actions came from his desire to help the team.
"Vic is very, very passionate about this football club," Postecoglou said in Friday's pre-match press conference ahead of Tottenham's meeting with Bournemouth on Sunday.
"He wants to win and he wants everyone on board with that. And if people think there is one bad or vindictive bone in Vicario they don't know the man that I do.
"The guy's one of the purest human beings you could ever come across. So whatever he does, he does what he thinks is best for the team, best for this football club because he really cares."
Spurs will look to respond to back-to-back defeats when they welcome Andoni Iraola's side to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.
