Tottenham face FA and police investigation after Ramsdale was kicked

Tottenham are set for a FA and police probe after a fan kicked Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale during 2-0 north London derby defeat – with Spurs striker Richarlison also in hot bother after pushing the Gunners goalkeeper in the face before fracas

  • Tottenham are facing an FA and police investigation after Sunday’s incident  
  • Aaron Ramsdale appeared to be kicked in the back after the north London derby
  • The Gunners claimed all three points away from home – winning the fixture 2-0
  • But, things got heated after the game when Ramsdale argued with Richarlison
  • Ramsdale then went to pick up his water bottle and was kicked by a supporter 

Tottenham are facing an FA and police investigation after a supporter kicked Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at the end of a fiery north London derby.

Richarlison could also find himself in hot water for pushing Ramsdale in the face after Arsenal’s 2-0 victory, which ended with the two sides needing to be separated.

Tempers boiled over after Ramsdale taunted Tottenham supporters at full-time, kissing his badge and celebrating passionately near the South Stand.

Tottenham are facing an FA and police investigation after a supporter kicked Aaron Ramsdale

The Arsenal goalkeeper (right) was quick to celebrate after the final whistle following their triumph over Tottenham and punched the air in front of Richarlison (left)

Then, as the goalkeeper went to collect his drinks bottle, a fan clambered towards the pitch and kicked the England international in the back before scarpering away.

That sparked a fracas, with Mikel Arteta having to drag both Ramsdale and then Granit Xhaka away.

Tottenham vowed a stadium ban and ‘the strongest possible action’ after studying CCTV footage to identify the attacker.

Richarlison was furious with Ramsdale elaborate celebration and stormed over to tell him

The pair were seen going head-to-head before a steward separated them (pictured above) 

‘We are appalled by the behaviour of a supporter that attempted to attack Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at the end of today’s match. Violence in any form has no place in football.

‘The club has reviewed its CCTV footage to identify the supporter and will be working with the Met Police, Arsenal and Aaron Ramsdale to take the strongest possible action, including an immediate ban from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.’

The FA promised strong action in conjunction with the police. Their statement read: ‘We strongly condemn the incident involving a spectator that followed today’s Premier League fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.


Ramsdale bent down to pick up his water bottle after arguing with Richarlison and appeared to be kicked by at Tottenham supporter

Ramsdale’s team-mates jumped in to defend him before escorting the goalkeeper away

‘This is wholly unacceptable behaviour and we will work together with the police, the relevant authorities and the clubs to ensure the appropriate action is taken.’

Back in 2019, a Birmingham City fan was jailed for punching Jack Grealish while last year a Leicester supporter was sentenced to four months in youth custody for swinging punches at three Nottingham Forest players during an FA Cup match.

Ramsdale explained what happened after the match: ‘The Spurs fans gave me some throughout the game. I was giving some back. The people I did give it to greeted it sportsmanlike but one fan tried to give me a little (kick),’ he said.

Speaking after the game, Ramsdale said it was a ‘shame’ the incident took place

‘It is a shame as it is just a game of football at the end of the day. Both sets of players tried to bring me away but thankfully nothing too drastic happened. It is a sour taste.’

Spurs defender Eric Dier branded the incident ‘unacceptable’, while manager Antonio Conte said: ‘If this type of situation happened, it’s not good, it’s not positive. I think in every moment we have to show respect, if we want respect we have to show respect. Honestly I didn’t see it, but if it happened for sure I didn’t like it.’

Arsenal boss Arteta, meanwhile, vowed to ‘deal’ with the attack but refused to let it dampen Arsenal’s celebrations.

 Arteta vowed to ‘deal’ with the attack but refused to let it dampen Arsenal’s celebrations

POLICE STATEMENT

‘Following the Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal match on Sunday, 15 January, police received a report of an assault on an Arsenal player after the end of the match. Enquiries are ongoing. There has been no arrest.’

‘There’s nothing we can do right now. I don’t want that taking 0.0001% of the enjoyment and satisfaction that we have at this moment,’ he said.

The incident was also condemned by the PFA, who called for more protection for stars: ‘Violence towards players is completely unacceptable. These types of incidents are happening far too often,’ their statement read.

‘Players have a right to be safe in their place of work. When a player is attacked, we expect the laws and regulations that are in place to protect players to be properly enforced. 

‘As the players’ union, we treat this as a priority issue. We will continue working with the authorities to demand that players and staff are better protected in their place of work.’

THE PREMIER LEAGUE STATEMENT

The Premier League condemns the behaviour of a fan at the conclusion of the Tottenham Hotspur FC and Arsenal FC match this evening.

There is no place in football for acts of violence, and under no circumstance should players be attacked or fear for their safety at games.

The League will support the clubs and relevant authorities in taking the strongest possible action against the individual responsible.




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