Spurs fans in disbelief after club's 'ridiculous' decision hours after final Premier League match

A 24-man Spurs squad embarked on a 25-hour trip to Melbourne on Sunday night, just hours after their final Premier League game of the season.

It has been a busy weekend for the North London club.

Dejan Kulusevski scored twice as they claimed fifth place in the Premier League with a 3-0 win over already-relegated Sheffield United.

And shortly after Ange Postecoglou's side clinched Europa League football, they headed over to East Midlands airport to board a flight to Australia.

That's right. Spurs will take on Newcastle United in a post-season friendly at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday, 22 May.

The fixture marks a return to his home city for manager Postecoglou, who took charge of Spurs for the first time when they faced West Ham in Perth last summer.

As well as the game, they will host an open training session as part of Global Football Week Melbourne at AAMI Park on Tuesday, 21 May.

The decision to make such a lengthy journey and play in a friendly shortly after their final game of the campaign sparked plenty of reaction from fans on social media.

One said: "Can't think of a worse way to miss the Euros than potentially getting injured playing in this. What's the point."

A second wrote: "Absolutely ridiculous that they’re doing this," while a third commented: "Ridiculous that you’re putting the players through this. Nothing but greed."

A fourth said: "Imagine milking every cent out of these players even after the season has just ended and fly them halfway around the world for a nothing match with no rest. What a club.

A fifth added: "Literally hours after playing at Sheffield United. Yet if a lower league side draws with them in the FA Cup next season they won’t get a replay because players are playing too many matches. The top level of football stinks and the essence of the game is being ruined by greed."

Next stop: Melbourne 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/Fzky4rM49z

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 19, 2024

Despite grumbles over the schedule, the trip will see youth team players Rio Kyerematen and Leo Black travel with the first team squad for the first time.

The clash against Newcastle will kick-off 7.45pm local time in Australia (10.45am UK) on Wednesday.