Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was attacked by a Tottenham fan who tried to kick him at the end of the derby won by Arsenal (2-0) on Sunday during the 20th day of the Premier League League.
At the final whistle of the North London derby, one of the english football hottest posters,Ramsdale turned towards the bend occupied by Spurs supporters, ostensibly kissing his club crest on his shirt to chamber them. The gesture initially displeased the Brazilian striker of Tottenham, Richarlison, who explained himself strongly with his opponent.
Ramsdale named man of the matchfor his saves which allowed his team not to take a goal, then went to collect a can of drink behind his cages. That’s when a man climbed onto the railing lining the pitch and tried to kick the goalkeeper in the back, as a steward posted right next to the player tried to kick him. prevent it. Ramsdale turned and then walked away as the supporter raced briskly to the top of the stand.
“The Spurs supporters chambered me throughout the second half. I tried to reciprocate a little“, explained Ramsdale at the microphone of Sky Sports a little later. “The few people I addressed the gesture to took it sportingly but a supporter tried to jump over (the barrier) and punch me (sic) in the back. It’s quite a shame because in the end it’s just a football game“, he continued. “It leaves a little bitter taste but I’m sure we’ll rejoice again when we go back to the locker room“, he concluded.
“Unacceptable» for the Federation
The mood did not calm down immediately, with coach Mikel Arteta stepping in to prevent his players Granit Xhaka and Gabriel from approaching the Tottenham players, going to celebrate the victory with the Gunners supporters on the other side ground. The Professional Players Association (PFA) for its part quickly denounced this incident in a press release.
“Players, she writes, have the right to be safe in their workplace. When a player is attacked, we expect the law and regulations in place to protect them to be enforced.» «This is a completely unacceptable attitude and we will work with the police, the authorities concerned and the club to ensure that an appropriate reaction is taken.“, promised for its part the English Federation. Asked about the incident, Mikel Arteta evaded. “I just want to talk about football and the great game we played“, he said.
Antonio Conte, Tottenham manager, condemned the attack. “If it happened, it’s not good. We must always show respect to an opponent and to the players. I do not like it“, he said.