Alan Shearer has expressed his disbelief at something Tottenham have decided to do now.
Spurs endured a disappointing end to a 2023/24 Premier League campaign that began so promisingly with ten games unbeaten, eventually losing five of the final seven games.
Ange Postecoglou also lost his temper at some of his own supporters, amid the truly unique situation of whether to prioritise a UEFA Champions League spot, or prevent Arsenal from winning the title.
Now – however – Tottenham have come under fire from Alan Shearer for a completely different situation…
Why Alan Shearer has questioned Tottenham
The 53-year-old has been left absolutely baffled by the fact Tottenham will play Newcastle in a friendly on Wednesday in Melbourne.
Practically as soon as the 2023/24 campaign ended, Spurs and the Magpies hopped on a flight halfway across the planet to take part in a meaningless friendly.
Of course, the commercial aspect of modern day football is usually responsible for such backwards decisions, although the move has come under exceptional scrutiny after the removal of FA Cup replays next season, due to fixture congestion and concerns over player welfare.
Speaking about the friendly in Melbourne on Match Of The Day, Shearer said: “Can you imagine if you’re a player who is playing in either the Copa America or EURO 2024 having to do that? Madness. Crazy.”
The Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer is spot on.
It reminds us of when Chelsea bizarrely arranged a Final Whistle on Hate charity match against New England Revolution back in May 2019 before the UEFA Europa League final, which saw Ruben Loftus-Cheek suffer a severe injury and miss the showpiece event.
Spurs risk upsetting players
Shearer is right – what if the likes of Maddison were to suffer an injury in Melbourne and miss out on the chance to play for England at UEFA EURO 2024?
In our eyes, it would be hard for us to forgive our club in that scenario, all for the sake of ticking a commercial box.
READ MORE: Alan Shearer highlights two signings Tottenham need to make this summer
The 2023/24 campaign has been a hectic one, and with UEFA Europa League football now on the schedule for Postecoglou’s players next season, the need for rest over the summer has become even more significant.