15 January 2023 , 22:09
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Tottenham have vowed to ban the supporter who kicked Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale following Sunday's North London derby.
Ramsdale was named man of the match as the Gunners claimed a 2-0 win over their fierce rivals to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League. Following the game, he clashed with Richarlison before going to collect his water bottle from behind the goal.
As he turned his back after picking up the bottle, a fan climbed over the advertising hoardings and kicked him in the back. Ramsdale was eventually led away from the area as players from both teams swarmed over.
The fan appeared to escape back into the stand before stewards or police were able to detain him. But Spurs have now promised to identify and eventually ban the supporter from their stadium for his actions.
"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," a statement from the club read.
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"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."
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Ramsdale admitted the incident had taken the shine off Arsenal's impressive win (PA)Met Police also issued a statement which read: "Following the Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal match on Sunday, 15 January, police received a report of an assault on an Arsenal player after the end of the match. Enquiries are ongoing. There has been no arrest."
Ramsdale admitted the incident had left a "sour taste" in his mouth after what had been an impressive win for his side. But the keeper insisted he would quickly put the incident behind him.
"It's a shame as it's just a game of football at the end of the day. Both sets of players tried to bring me away but thankfully nothing too drastic happened. It's a sour taste but I'm sure we will enjoy it when we go back into the dressing room," he told Sky Sports.
"The Spurs fans gave me some throughout the game. I was giving some back. The people I did give it to greeted it in sportsmanlike terms but one fan tried to give me a little punch on the back."
The Football Association have also condemned the incident and confirmed they will work with the police and both clubs in order to ensure "appropriate action" is taken.
"We strongly condemn the incident involving a spectator that followed today's Premier League fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal," a statement from the governing body read.
"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."
The incident took the shine off of what was an impressive win for the Gunners, their first away at Tottenham since 2014. An own-goal from Hugo Lloris and a long-range strike from Martin Odegaard were enough for Arteta's men to claim the bragging rights.
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