Football: Arsenal goalkeeper kicked by Tottenham fan

Europe 1 with AFP 11:24 p.m., January 15, 2023

At the end of the North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham, which ended in victory for the Gunners, Aaron Ramsdale was targeted by a Spurs supporter.

After the final whistle, the doorman of the Gunners turned to the opposing stand to chamber the supporters.

One of them tried to enter the lawn to kick him.

Absolutely disgusting how Aaron Ramsdale is treated in this video.

@FA Protect your players.

pic.twitter.com/9K9HDway55

— george (@StokeyyG2) January 15, 2023

At the start of the evening, the Spurs condemned this incident, promising "the strongest possible measure" against the aggressor.

In a statement, Spurs management said they had viewed CCTV footage from the stadium in order to identify him.

"We will work with the police, Arsenal and Aaron Ramsdale to take the strongest possible action, including an immediate ban on travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium," she said.

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"We are appalled"

"We are appalled by the behavior of a fan who attempted to assault Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at the end of today's match. Violence in any form has no place in football", condemns Tottenham.

Club statement on today's full-time incident at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 15, 2023

The incident happened at the final whistle of the North London derby, one of the hottest posters in English football.

Ramsdale turned behind his goals, 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.

The Arsenal goalkeeper, voted man of the match for his decisive saves, then headed down the stand to retrieve a can of drink from behind his cages.

It was then that a man climbed onto the railing bordering the pitch and tried to kick him in the back as a steward posted right next to the player tried to stop him.

Ramsdale turned and then walked away as the supporter raced briskly to the top of the stand.

"The Spurs supporters chambered me for the whole second half. I tried to reciprocate a bit," Ramsdale told Sky Sports later.

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"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 have a 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 totally 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 always have to show respect to an opponent and to the players. I don't like that," he commented.