The Football Association (FA) has strongly condemned the kicking of Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale by a spectator during his side’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham.
The man jumped on to advertising hoardings behind the Arsenal goal after the north London derby and seemed to aim a kick at Ramsdale’s back in an incident caught on camera in Sky Sports’ coverage of the game.
The FA said: “We strongly condemn the incident involving a spectator that followed today’s Premier League fixture between Tottenham Hotspur 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.”
‘Immediate’ stadium ban
Spurs said the CCTV footage was being reviewed to identify the supporter and that they would take the “strongest possible action”, including an “immediate” stadium ban.
“We are appalled by the behaviour of a supporter that attempted to attack Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at the end of today’s match,” a club statement read.
“Violence in any form has no place in football.”
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The Metropolitan Police said officers received a report of an assault on an Arsenal player after the end of the match.
“Enquiries are ongoing,” the force said in a statement. “There has been no arrest.”
‘It’s a sour taste’
Talking to Sky Sports after the game, Ramsdale said: “The Spurs fans were giving me some throughout the second half, I gave them some back, which to the few people I did do it to, was probably well-greeted, sportsmanship-like.
“Then a fan tried to jump over and give me a little punch on the back. That’s what happened and it’s a shame because it’s just a game of football at the end of the day.
“I think both sets of players tried to bring me away. Thankfully nothing actually happened too drastic. It’s a sour taste, but I’m sure we’ll enjoy it when we go back in the dressing room.”
Tottenham defender Eric Dier, who was suspended for four matches in 2020 for confronting an abusive spectator in the crowd, said the latest incident was “unacceptable”.
He told Sky Sports: “I didn’t see it, but obviously it’s just unacceptable really. There’s nothing more I can say other than it’s unacceptable and it shouldn’t have happened.”
‘No place in football’
A Premier League statement read: “The Premier League condemns the behaviour of a fan at the conclusion of the Tottenham Hotspur FC and Arsenal FC match this evening.
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“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.”
