Following the north London derby against Tottenham, a fan attacked Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
After the Gunners’ 2-0 victory on Sunday, a Spurs supporter was caught on camera attempting to kick Ramsdale in the back.
“Violence toward players is completely unacceptable,” the Professional Footballers’ Association declared.
“These occurrences are far too frequent.” A PFA statement states, “In their working environment, athletes have a right to feel safe.”
“We expect the laws and rules to protect players from being properly enforced when a player is attacked.”
“The players’ union treats this as a top priority. We will continue cooperating with the authorities to ensure that employees and players are better protected at work.”
Ramsdale, 24, was unharmed in the incident at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Spurs said the fan would receive an “immediate ban.”.
Spurs said, “We are shocked by the actions of a supporter who tried to attack Aaron Ramsdale, the goalie for Arsenal, after today’s game.”
“Football should not tolerate violence of any form.”
“The team has reviewed its CCTV footage to find the supporter and will collaborate with the Met Police, Arsenal, and Aaron Ramsdale to take the strongest action available, including an immediate suspension from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium,” reads a statement from the club.
Ramsdale played a vital role in the Gunners’ victory away at their closest rival, which allowed them to increase their lead over the competition to eight points.
When he went to get his water bottle after the game, a Tottenham fan standing behind the goal rushed forward, kicked the England player, and then climbed back over several rows of spectators.
It’s unfortunate because it’s just a football game, said Ramsdale.
“Both groups of players attempted to remove me, but fortunately, nothing too serious occurred. Even though it has a sour flavor, we will likely enjoy it once we return to the dressing room.
“I received some throughout the game from the Spurs supporters. I was returning a little. The people I did give it to responded to it in a sportsmanlike manner; however, one fan attempted my back”.
The Football Association issued the following statement: “We strongly condemn the incident involving a spectator following today’s Premier League game between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
“This behavior is entirely unacceptable, and we will work with the police, the appropriate authorities, and the clubs to ensure the proper steps are taken. “.
Eric Dier, a defender for Tottenham, continued, “I didn’t see it, but it is unacceptable and shouldn’t have happened. I have nothing more to add. “.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the head of the UK’s Football Policing Unit, said this week that there is a “worrying amount of disorder” at football events after a report showed that 999 arrests were made between July 1 and December 31, 2022, an increase of 10% from the same time in 2017.
The number of football-related arrests during the 2018–19 season—the 2021–22 campaign—was 2,198, a record high since the 2013–14 campaign.