admin
LONDON. — Tottenham Hotspur fans put north London rivalries aside to welcome Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka back to domestic duties for the first time since Euro 2020.
Saka’s introduction into Arsenal’s 1-0 pre-season defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday was his first appearance since he was racially abused after missing a penalty in England’s shoot-out defeat by Italy in the final.
With no away fans for any of the Mind Series matches, the Spurs fans gave Saka a warm ovation as he replaced skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Tottenham fans also displayed a banner which read “North London stands with Bukayo Saka and all players against racism and discrimination”.
Saka took to social media after the game to express his gratitude towards Spurs fans for their classy gesture.
“So much respect for this, thank you!” the Gunners starlet wrote on his Instagram story.
Meanwhile, Tottenham posted a video of Saka’s introduction on their account with the caption: “Rivalries aside. What a moment this was this afternoon.”
Saka missed the decisive fifth penalty as England were beaten in a dramatic shoot-out by Italy in the European Championship showpiece, and was subsequently subjected to racist abuse online along with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho — who also failed to convert from 12 yards.
The FA quickly came out to condemn the abuse and called for social media companies to change their policies in order to provide players with more protection, while the Metropolitan Police launched a full investigation.
On Sunday, Saka almost scored as well but new Tottenham goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini kept out the 19-year-old’s low shot.
After Dele Alli had twice hit a post from close range, Son Heung-min secured victory for the hosts 10 minutes from time when he drove home from Japhet Tanganga’s lay-off. Saka’s England team-mate Ben White made his first start for the Gunners but Harry Kane was missing for the hosts.
Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo later confirmed Kane was isolating at the club’s training ground and hoped to speak to him — socially distanced — yesterday.
Nuno also refused to talk about about Inter Milan’s £60m-rated striker Lautaro Martinez, who Tottenham are trying to sign.
“Harry is with us. He has to quarantine, he’s in the lodge but he’s training. He already had the first day with the sports scientists. He’s with us,” said the former Wolves boss.
“I didn’t speak today because today was a match but we have a training session tomorrow. Hopefully, socially distanced, I will speak with Harry.”
On Martinez, he added: “I won’t speak about any player. I will speak only about my players, Tottenham players, nothing else.” — BBC Sport.AC
Online Reporter