José Sá confronted by Wolves supporters after Burnley defeat
Wolves goalkeeper José Sá was seen in a tense exchange with supporters outside Molineux on Sunday evening following the club’s dramatic 3–2 defeat to Burnley — a result that left the team bottom of the Premier League table, reports BritPanorama.
Vítor Pereira’s side had fought back from two goals down before conceding a 95th-minute winner to Lyle Foster, prompting fury among fans who chanted “you’re getting sacked in the morning” at the Portuguese manager as tempers flared at full-time.
While Pereira later called for unity in his post-match press conference, the frustration among supporters was evident, with videos circulating online showing Sá engaging in a heated but ultimately respectful conversation with fans as he left the ground. The shot-stopper, who has lost his starting place to Sam Johnstone in recent weeks and was an unused substitute for the Burnley match, appeared visibly emotional as he stopped his car to speak to a small group of supporters.
Though much of the exchange was muffled, the goalkeeper could be heard telling security staff, “It’s OK, we are just talking. They are right.” Fans reportedly accused the players of lacking passion and effort on the pitch. Sá, 31, responded: “Yeah, maybe, but I’m trying to give this to them. Plus, now I am on the bench.”
When asked about the team’s defending, he admitted: “Yeah, 100 per cent, the way that we conceded goals today is unacceptable.” Pressed on who was responsible for the club’s struggles, Sá declined to name individuals but added pointedly, “It’s not only the players.” He went on to speak candidly about how deeply the defeats affect him, saying: “When I go home, I don’t speak to my wife because we lose, because I am sad.”
By the end of the exchange, tensions appeared to ease. The fans applauded Sá’s honesty after he bluntly admitted, “We are playing s**t, I’ll be honest with you.” The goalkeeper shook hands with the group before returning to his car, nodding in acknowledgment as they clapped him once more.
It is not the first time Sá has confronted supporters. During a defeat to Bournemouth last season, he was involved in a brief altercation with fans as he left the pitch at half-time. Despite occasional criticism, the Portuguese international has largely been a mainstay since joining Wolves from Olympiacos in 2021, making more than 150 appearances for the club.
In his own remarks after Sunday’s loss, Pereira sought to defuse the growing tension between fans and the team. “What I said to the fans was that we worked a lot and we need to fight together,” he explained. “I understand the frustration, but if we stay united, we can win games and compete. If I were a fan, I’d still feel proud of my team.”
Reflecting on the sharp change in mood since last season, when he guided Wolves to safety, Pereira noted: “Two months ago they were singing my name for the work we did last season. Now maybe they sing it to sack me — but that’s football.” Wolves remain bottom of the Premier League with just two points from nine matches, and their next match will be against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday (7.45pm).
Amidst the swirling emotions and pointed criticisms, the reality is stark: a flavour of desperation courses through Molineux as Wolves grapple with their predicament, reminding us all of football’s uniquely potent blend of hope and despair.
