Levy has reversed the decision to use government help after angering fans and players

Tottenham Hotspur have reversed their decision to apply for the government’s furlough scheme after members of José Mourinho’s first-team squad were unhappy with the club’s controversial move.

The world’s eighth-richest team were criticised by supporters for furloughing about half of their 550 non-playing staff and imposing 20 per cent pay cuts on other employees — a move that is thought to have upset some players at the club. The decision came shortly after Spurs announced record revenues of £461 million.

Liverpool made a U-turn last week on their decision to apply for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme after facing a similar backlash from fans. Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Norwich City have said that they will use the government programme. Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, said