The kicks were not kept on the field as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur met in a Premier League showdown on Sunday.
Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale was kicked by a fan after the team’s 2-0 win over Tottenham, leaving Arsenal eight points clear at the top of the table.
After the full-time whistle, Ramsdale kicked the ball away, kissed the badge on his shirt and “gave” to Spurs fans behind his net. Ramsdale were led away from a confrontation with Tottenham striker Richarlison, giving the fan an opportunity to get revenge when the goalkeeper picked up his water bottle.
“The Spurs fans gave me some throughout the game. I gave back,” Ramsdale said. “The few people I gave it to were probably well greeted in a sporty way. But then a fan jumped over and gave me a little punch in the back. That’s what happened and it’s a shame because at the end of the day it’s just a football game.
“Everyone, both groups of players, tried to take me away. Luckily nothing happened too drastically, but it’s a bitter aftertaste.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta held off midfielder Granit Xhaka as he tried to defend his goalkeeper, who made seven stops in the win.
“I didn’t see it, but it’s just unacceptable,” said Tottenham defender Eric Dier. “All I can say is that it is unacceptable and should not have happened.”
The incident drew a reprimand from the Professional Footballers’ Association.
“Violence against players is totally unacceptable. These types of incidents happen far too often,” the PFA said in a statement.
“Players have a right to be safe in their workplace. If a player is attacked, we expect that the laws and regulations that are in place to protect them will be properly enforced. As a players’ union, we treat this as a priority. We will continue to work with authorities to demand that players and staff be better protected in their workplace.”
Source link: https://nypost.com/2023/01/15/arsenals-aaron-ramsdale-kicked-by-fan-in-heated-postgame-moment/
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