Damon Albarn has faced criticism from some football fans after making a tongue-in-cheek remark on The Graham Norton Show. The comment drew laughter in the studio but anger online.
Albarn appeared on the programme to promote an upcoming tour by Gorillaz. Host Graham Norton mentioned that the band’s 20 June concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would be their biggest show ever.
However, Albarn, who supports Chelsea FC, avoided naming the ground directly. Instead, he described it as “a large music venue in North London.” The audience laughed, but some supporters of Tottenham Hotspur FC did not find the joke amusing.
Several fans took to social media to criticise the singer. Some called him insulting names, while others accused him of disrespecting the club.
The exchange comes during a difficult season for Tottenham. The club recently parted ways with manager Thomas Frank and appointed Igor Tudor until the end of the campaign as they sit near the lower end of the Premier League table.
Despite the backlash, Albarn’s comment appeared to be light-hearted football banter. Rivalry between Chelsea and Spurs supporters has long been part of English football culture.
Gorillaz, which Albarn formed in 1998 with artist Jamie Hewlett, are set to tour the UK and Ireland before heading across Europe. The London show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium remains scheduled for June, where fans will see whether the joke is remembered — or forgiven.
