O’Hara shares aspect that makes Tottenham ground worst in the world
Tottenham Hotspur fans have breathed a huge sigh of collective relief following their victory on Thursday over AZ Alkmaar.
Wilson Odobert’s double and James Maddison’s strike were enough to see Tottenham through to the last eight of the Europa League on Thursday (13 March).
It keeps Spurs competitive for the time being, though supporters still have mixed feelings about the matchday experience at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
O’Hara blasts ‘worst in the world’ feature of Spurs ground
Tottenham’s win over AZ ensures there is still something to play for this season – namely a maiden trophy since 2008 and a backdoor route back into the Champions League, despite their abject Premier League fate.
Spurs fans are, however, torn on their matchday experience since moving from White Hart Lane to the high-tech multi-purpose arena of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Supporters have already lamented the atmosphere and claimed it has been sacrificed at the altar of commercial gain – Daniel Levy has already absorbed plenty of flak for the matter and will continue to do so while in power.
But after discussing the stadium with a Tottenham fan called Dean live on talkSPORT‘s Sports Bar (13 March, 22:30), even ex-Lilywhites midfielder and avid Spurs fan Jamie O’Hara admitted the struggles for personnel to exit the ground after matches remains “the worst in the world”.
The phone-in caller said: “We’re just trying to get out the stadium, it’s absolutely chock-a-block.”
O’Hara sympathised with the supporter, saying: “Oh mate, it’s the worst ground in the world to get out of.
“It was bad when it was White Hart Lane; it’s 10 times worse now.”
Tottenham fans miss White Hart Lane
Tottenham supporters were given the same spiel as those of Arsenal, Manchester City, West Ham United and the like when they moved into their respective new stadia at various points of the 21st century. Manchester United look to be next.
A stadium move is necessary for success on and off the pitch, to avoid being left behind. That is the statement football fans are fed and while clearly true in some ways, conveniently omits the glaring disclaimer about how the entire identity of a club and generations of its support risk being ripped out.
Season ticket prices then skyrocket as Tottenham fans have discovered – as do general matchday costs in and around the stadium site.
To the wider world – and that goes beyond football – the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a breathtaking, domineering global venue of sport. The facilities are second-to-none – no one is arguing the fact.
| Premier League – largest stadiums | Capacity |
| Old Trafford, Manchester United | 74,879 |
| Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs | 62,850 |
| London Stadium, West Ham United | 62,500 |
| Anfield, Liverpool | 61,276 |
| Emirates Stadium, Arsenal | 60,704 |
But each time a former White Hart Lane season ticket holder takes their seat – absolutely no standing, thank you – they are reminded by those around them decked out in half the club shop that they are not the supporter mould Levy and ENIC are catering towards.
Many feel disjointed from the identity of their club, not just at Spurs but across the country. It would make this season utterly apathetic, if not for the result on Thursday night which keeps their European spark burning for a while longer.