Arsenal’s goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was kicked by a Tottenham fan during his side’s 2-0 win over their North London rival.
The Arsenal goalkeeper who was voted man of the match was quick to celebrate after the final whistle and punched the air in front of Tottenham forward Richarlison. The Brazilian was furious with Ramsdale’s celebration and stormed over to tell him. The pair were seen going head-to-head before a steward separated them. As Ramsdale walked towards the goalpost and bent to pick up his water bottle, a Tottenham supporter climbed onto the hoarding and kicked him in the back. Ramsdale felt the contact and instantly turned around to confront the fan. However, his teammates dragged him away. Lifetime ban imminent for Spurs fan who kicks Aaron Ramsdale. Stupidity of the highest order. Not great from Richarlison either. pic.twitter.com/gHf8H9nUif — Ryan Taylor (@RyanTaylorSport) January 15, 2023 Commenting on the incident, the Arsenal goalkeeper told reporters; “Spurs fans were giving me some crack second half, and I gave them some back. The few people I did give it to it was probably well greeted, in a sportsmanship way. But then a fan jumped over and gave me a little punch in the back. Tottenham has reacted to the incident and has vowed to ban the fan who kicked Aaron Ramsdale. The club said in a statement; “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 Professional Footballers’ Association also released a statement which read; “Violence towards players is completely unacceptable. These types of incidents are happening far too often. “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 them to be properly enforced. 
“As the players’ union we treat this as a priority issue. We will be continuing to work with the authorities to demand that players and staff are better protected in their place of work.” Also reacting to the incident, the English FA said in a statement; “We strongly condemn the incident involving a spectator that followed today’s Premier League fixture between Tottenham and Arsenal. 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.” Arsenal has now has 47 points from 18 games, eight ahead of second-placed Manchester City.
