Arsenal moved eight points clear at the top of the Premier League after winning 2-0 against Tottenham in the North London Derby. The game was tarnished after the full-time whistle as a spectator in the Spurs home crowd kicked Gunners goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The incident followed the England international being confronted by Richarlison after the whistle was blown, with security separating the pair after Ramsdale had celebrated in front of the Spurs fans. Footage showed the 24-year-old winding up Spurs supporters after referee Craig Pawson ended proceedings in north London.
A group of players moved over to follow the action, which ended up by the advertising hoarding behind Ramsdale's goal, where the Arsenal keeper went to pick up his water bottle. One person from the home end stood up on the hoardings and kicked Ramsdale in the back, sparking a melee on the pitch with Mikel Arteta attempting to drag his players away from the home crowd and towards the celebrating away end.
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After the game, Ramsdale was quizzed on the incident and the goalkeeper explained his side of the incident. "The Spurs fans were giving me some throughout the second half and I gave them some back which, to the few people that I did do it too, was well greeted," he said.
"Then a fan tried to jump over and give me a kick in 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.
"Both sets of players tried bringing me away. Thankfully nothing actually happened too drastically, but it's a sour taste. But I'm sure we'll enjoy it when we go back in," he added.
Now the Premier League, the FA and the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) have all condemned the incident with individual statements. The 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.
"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."
A statement from 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.
The PFA statement read: "Violence towards players is completely unacceptable. These types of incidents are happening far too often.
"Players have a right to be safe in their place of work. When a player is attacked we expect the laws and regulations that are in place to protect them to be properly enforced.
"As the players' union we treat this as a priority issue. We will be continuing to work with the authorities demand that players and staff are better protected in their place of work."
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