16 January 2023 , 18:43
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Tottenham forward Richarlison has hit back after being criticised for his altercation with Aaron Ramsdale.
Summer signing Richarlison was making his first appearance for Spurs since before the World Cup, having picked up an injury while on Brazil duty. The former Everton star came off the bench with his team 2-0 down, but was unable to lead a comeback as Antonio Conte's team were beaten at home by their neighbours.
At the end of the game, Richarlison got into an altercation with Ramsdale moments before a home fan kicked out at the goalkeeper. The 25-year-old has come in for criticism for falling for the England international's provocation, but has responded to the latest line of attack.
In a social media post, commentators in Brazil claimed Richarlison was "cancelled" for rising to the bait. However, the forward hit back, saying "I don't like them [the commentators] either so its okay!"
The comments come after the Brazilian frontman explained his frustration with Ramsdale. While he apologised to Gabriel Martinelli for snubbing a handshake with his compatriot, his stance on the goalkeeper was less sympathetic.
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"I didn’t like their 'keeper celebrating there, it was like, disrespectful to our fans there," Richarlison told ESPN Brasil. "So I went to call him up on it. They had their fans there, so he should celebrate with them and not be cute with our fans.“
“I want to apologise to him (Martinelli)," Richarlison said. "He put his hand out and I didn't. Like it or not, he is my Brazil teammate. This is part of it, it's a derby, we were hot-headed.
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Richarlison snapped back after the latest criticism"With Gabriel (Magalhaes), I argued a little because he was holding up the game. He ended up getting a yellow (for time-wasting), and I said to him, 'let's play, let's play'. And he was holding up the game."
Arsenal's win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium came via two first-half goals, with Hugo Lloris scoring an own goal before Martin Odegaard doubled the visitors' lead. The result leaves Arsenal eight points clear at the top of the league going into next week's clash with Manchester United, with Spurs some 14 points adrift of their neighbours in fifth
Meanwhile, Spurs have issued a statement after their fan's attack on Ramsdale. "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," it read.
"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."