Arsenal stopper Aaron Ramsdale has explained his shock at being kicked in the back by a Tottenham supporter having been well greeted by others despite giving them ‘flak’.
The 24-year-old kept a clean sheet in the North London derby and was named man of the match before clashing with Richarlison and then a fan after going to collect his water bottle.
With some fans shouting at the England international, one jumped on top of the advertising boards and launched a kick at Ramsdale with security as well as fellow players and fans trying to calm things down.
READ MORE: Spurs fan attacks Ramsdale after climbing advertising boards as security step in
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Ramsdale said: “Yeah well obviously the Spurs fans were giving me some flak (in the) second-half and I give them some back, which was… the few people who I did do it to was probably well greeted. You know, sportsmanship like.
“And then a fan jumped over and gave me a little punch on the back so… it’s what happened and it’s a shame because it’s just a game of football at the end of the day.”
He added when asked if he was then dragged away: “Yeah everyone, I think both sets of players as well tried to bring me away and yeah thankfully nothing actually happened too drastically but it was a sour taste but I’m sure we will enjoy it when we go back in the dressing room.”
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(Image: Sky Sports)
Arsenal took all three points to move eight clear at the top of the table after Hugo Lloris scored an own goal and Martin Odegaard netted from range.
Arteta was less keen to talk about the incident with a fan, saying: “I haven’t seen anything and I don’t want to.
“I just want to talk about football and the beautiful game we just played. Tomorrow we can review that.”
(Image: Getty Images)
With Spurs boss Conte in a similar position, saying: “If it happened, it’s not good. In every moment we have to show respect. If we want respect, we have to show respect. For sure, if it happened, I didn’t like it.”
Then added of the performance: “In this situation the final result effects everybody. I have to try and do the right consideration, if you are to get emotional you can be angry for the bad result. In this moment you have to be good to analyse the situation.
“I’m not disappointed about the performance and commitment and desire and fight they showed. We did it. That is sometimes enough. Sometimes it is not enough.”
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