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(CNN) Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale appeared to be kicked in the back by a fan after Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium in London.
Following the final whistle, Ramsdale came around the net to get his water bottle, when a spectator jumped over a billboard on the pitch and appeared to kick Ramsdale in the back.
After the game, Ramsdale was asked about the incident after the North London derby: “The Spurs fans gave me a bit in the second half. I gave them a little back, which to the few I did it to was probably well received and sportsmanlike, and then a fan tried to jump up and give me a little smack on the back.”
“It’s a shame, because after all it’s just a football game. Both sets of players also tried to push me away, but luckily nothing too serious happened, although it’s a bitter taste, but I’m sure we’ll enjoy it when we get back to the locker room,” Ramsdale concluded.
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Tottenham were appalled by the behaviour, adding that the club is working with the Metropolitan Police and in conjunction with Arsenal and Ramsdale to identify the spectator and bar him immediately.
“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 from him has no place in football,” Tottenham said.
“The club have reviewed their CCTV footage to identify the fan and will work with the Metropolitan Police, Arsenal and Aaron Ramsdale to take the strongest possible action, including an immediate ban on Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium.”
The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) said in a statement: “Violence towards players is completely unacceptable. These types of incidents happen all too often.”
“Players have the right to be safe in their workplace. When a player is assaulted, we expect the laws and regulations in force to protect him or her to be properly applied.”
“As a players union, we consider this matter a priority. We will continue to work with the authorities to demand that players and staff are better protected in their workplace.”
The FA, the governing body of English soccer, condemned the actions of the bystander in a statement: “We strongly condemn the incident involving a bystander following the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
“This is totally unacceptable behavior and we will work with the police, relevant authorities and clubs to ensure that appropriate action is taken.”
Sunday’s win moves the Gunners eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League table.
The-CNN-Wire
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