Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has described Guglielmo Vicario as "one of the purest human beings I've ever come across" following an altercation with fans at full-time of Thursday's Europa League defeat at AZ Alkmaar.

Spurs were beaten 1-0 in their round-of-16, first leg clash due to a Lucas Bergvall own goal and Vicario, who made a string of fine saves during the game, appeared to gesture to the travelling supporters to show greater backing for their team.

That triggered an angry reaction from some fans and Vicario, 28, subsequently told reporters that "I can assume the disappointment [was] for the night because we didn't play our football."

Speaking at Tottenham's training base on Friday, Postecoglou told a news conference: "Vic is very, very passionate about this football club. He is very passionate about what we are trying to do here.

"He wants to win, he wants everyone on board with that. If people think there is one bad or vindicative bone in Vicario's make-up, they don't know the man that I do. The guy is one of the purest human beings I've ever come across.

"Whatever he does he thinks is best for the team, best for the football club because he really cares."

Spurs face Bournemouth on Sunday before the return game against AZ on Thursday. Losing in the Europa League would mean another trophyless season for Tottenham, who currently sit 13th in the Premier League table.