Tottenham players are offering ticket refunds for fans who traveled to Newcastle for the 6-1 defeat

Tottenham Hotspur fans who had traveled to see the club’s game against Newcastle United at St James Park were quickly disappointed as Tottenham conceded five goals in the opening 21 minutes on Sunday. The game ended in a 6-1 loss – a loss so bad that players offered to compensate fans as consolation on Tuesday.

The detrimental defeat came amid the club’s struggle to keep its chances of qualifying for the Champions League alive at an already turbulent time.

Tottenham parted ways with manager Antonio Conte by mutual consent in March after just 76 games. The decision came eight days after Conte called Tottenham players “selfish” who “don’t want to help each other and don’t put their hearts into the game” after Spurs’ 3-3 draw with Southampton on March 18.

Cristian Stellini, who was set to take Conte’s place for the remainder of the season, was sacked on Monday – a day after losing to Newcastle. After Stellini managed just one win in four games, Ryan Mason was blamed.

Following the apology and the refund offer, Tottenham introduced a new supporters’ council organized to increase fan engagement and encourage fan-centred decision-making.

The board will be made up of elected members who will address issues such as “strategic vision and goals” as well as matchday issues and stadium plans.

Spurs are fifth in the Premier League and six points behind fourth-placed Manchester United after playing two more games. They host United on Thursday, with Mason taking over his interim role as manager.