“Total shame…” Gary Rowett tears into two Leicester City first-team leaders after heated exchange following defeat to Portsmouth

Tension is boiling over at Leicester City after another disappointing result, with frustration now spilling beyond the pitch following their 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth FC at Fratton Park.

The match itself was another painful chapter in Leicester’s ongoing struggles this season. Ibane Bowat’s 63rd-minute header from a corner proved to be the difference, once again exposing Leicester’s well-known weakness at set-pieces.

Despite holding 53% possession compared to Portsmouth’s 47%, Leicester failed to make it count where it mattered most.

Score: Portsmouth 1-0 Leicester
Goal: Bowat 63’
Possession: Leicester 53% | Portsmouth 47%

The first half offered very little excitement, with both sides struggling to create clear chances. Leicester controlled the ball but lacked sharpness and penetration, while Portsmouth stayed compact and disciplined without possession. After the break, the home side grew into the game and capitalized on poor marking from a corner to take the lead.

From that moment, Leicester’s response was flat. There was no urgency, no creativity, and no real attacking threat. Their play became predictable and easy to defend against, while the midfield failed to control proceedings or create meaningful chances. Even the substitutions made little to no impact.

However, what has truly sparked outrage is what reportedly happened after the match. Manager Gary Rowett was left furious after two first-team players were involved in a heated exchange, raising serious concerns about discipline and leadership within the squad.

Speaking after the game, Rowett did not hold back, delivering a strong message aimed directly at the senior figures in the dressing room after they were involved in heated exchange with fans.

“Total shame this is unprofessional”

“You are not representing us well, you are leaders you ain’t good examples to the younger ones”

“Show the same hunger on pitch not outside”

“You were not where to be found on the pitch, you were totally lost”

He made it clear that such behavior is damaging the team, especially at a time when unity and focus are crucial.

“What the leaders in the group are doing is very disgraceful this will spoil the momentum of the younger ones who are ready to fight and I can’t bench them because of lack of experience among the younger group.”

Leicester’s situation is now becoming increasingly serious. Sitting in the relegation zone on 41 points after their deduction, the pressure is mounting with every passing game.

Rowett also challenged his players to respond immediately, stressing the importance of their next fixture.

“For me, we turn up Tuesday and we have to do everything we can to win the game. It’s easy saying it. We’ve had two or three opportunities to show that extra bit of drive and we haven’t quite find it. We have to see if we can find it Tuesday”

He ended with a blunt message directed at the squad:

“You can’t be fighting after all you’re costing us a lot, pick your boot show some determination and go and win me the game that’s quite simple”

With performances lacking on the pitch and discipline issues now emerging off it, Leicester’s fight for survival is not just about tactics anymore it’s about character, leadership, and whether the players can respond before it’s too late.