I never see their reimbursements as them saying they weren't trying. More an acknowledgement of the distance the fans have travelled and that the players performance was way below acceptable.
Totally agree that they don't owe anyone anything and that is why it's a noble gesture.
Fwiw I don't...
There is something noble and decent about players offering to pay for the tickets of travelling fans after a horrendous result a long way from home.
Fans demanding a refund is just ridiculous.