‘Did anybody notice’: Graham Roberts saw something ‘strange’ on the pitch after Tottenham won the Europa League
The UEFA Europa League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United turned out to be one of the most unusual showpieces in recent football memory.
The match itself carried an odd backdrop: two of England’s biggest clubs, both unexpectedly languishing near the bottom of the Premier League table, competing for continental silverware.
Spurs, sitting 17th, and United, just one place ahead in 16th, hardly resembled the typical image of Europa League finalists. Yet, in a twist that underlined the unpredictability of football, Tottenham emerged victorious in Bilbao, claiming a trophy despite a domestic season riddled with setbacks.
What made the evening even stranger was an incident noticed by former Spurs defender Graham Roberts. After the final whistle and amid the celebrations, Roberts observed a detail that few others picked up on: several key Tottenham players did not receive their winners’ medals during the on-pitch ceremony.
Among those overlooked were Heung-min Son, Cristian Romero, and Rodrigo Bentancur. This omission puzzled many, including Roberts, who praised the team’s effort but couldn’t help commenting on the unusual oversight.
He shared his thoughts on social media, commending the fans for their unwavering support before pointing out the missing medals and calling the situation “strange.”
His concern reflected the sentiment of many supporters who felt such moments should be flawlessly handled, especially on nights of major triumph.
The sight of players left without medals on the pitch raised eyebrows, particularly as these athletes played significant roles throughout the campaign. UEFA, quick to respond to the criticism, issued an official statement clarifying what had gone wrong.
They explained that more individuals participated in the presentation ceremony than originally accounted for—primarily due to the inclusion of injured or non-playing squad members who joined the on-field celebrations.
This, they stated, led to a shortage of medals during the live ceremony. However, they also reassured the public that the issue had been rectified almost immediately, with the missing medals delivered to the dressing room along with formal apologies to those affected.
Despite the resolution, the mishap served as a reminder of the logistical complexities surrounding major finals.
For players like Son and Romero, who had poured effort into a turbulent season, even a small delay in recognition could understandably cast a shadow over an otherwise jubilant occasion.
Manager Ange Postecoglou, who largely kept a low profile during the celebrations, made it clear through his actions that every squad member deserved acknowledgment—regardless of how many minutes they played in the competition. His approach emphasized the importance of unity and contribution beyond matchday statistics.
In modern football, success is rarely the product of only those who take to the field. Behind every win lies a network of hard work from training sessions, tactical preparations, recovery efforts, and countless hours of behind-the-scenes commitment.
Postecoglou’s stance reinforced this ethos, underscoring the value of every individual involved. Whether a player featured heavily in the tournament or supported from the sidelines, each member contributed to the club’s journey to European glory.
That philosophy resonated deeply on a night when Spurs defied expectations. In a season where domestic disappointment had weighed heavily on the squad, lifting the Europa League trophy offered a measure of redemption.
It also provided hope for the future—a symbol that even amidst struggle, there’s room for triumph. For the Tottenham faithful, the win in Bilbao became more than just a result; it became a testament to resilience, collective effort, and the emotional highs football uniquely delivers.
Even in victory, the small details matter. The missing medals momentarily disrupted the narrative, but UEFA’s quick response helped restore the celebratory spirit.
More importantly, it highlighted how football, with all its unpredictability and imperfections, continues to evoke passion, pride, and a sense of belonging.
For Tottenham, the Europa League title may not erase the hardships of the league campaign, but it offers a cherished memory—and perhaps, the beginning of a much-needed new chapter.