Audio By Carbonatix
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was attacked by a supporter after the north London derby against Tottenham.
Television footage showed a Spurs fan trying to kick Ramsdale in the back after the Gunners' 2-0 win on Sunday.
The Professional Footballers' Association said "violence towards players is completely unacceptable".
"These incidents are happening far too often. Players have a right to be safe in their place of work," said a PFA statement.
"When a player is attacked, we expect the laws and regulations that are in place to protect players to be properly enforced.
"As the players' union, we treat this as a priority issue. We will continue working with the authorities to demand players and staff are better protected in their place of work."
Ramsdale, 24, was unhurt in the incident at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Spurs said the fan would face an "immediate ban".
"We are appalled by the behaviour of a supporter that attempted to attack Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at the end of today's match," said a Spurs statement.
"Violence in any form has no place in football.
"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."
Ramsdale had been instrumental as the Gunners won away at their nearest rivals to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.
After the game, he went to gather his water bottle when a supporter from behind the goal housing Tottenham fans rushed forward and aimed a kick at the England international before climbing back over a number of rows of seats.
"It's a shame as it's just a game of football at the end of the day," said Ramsdale.
"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.
"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."
A statement from the Football Association 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."
Tottenham defender Eric Dier added: "I didn't see it but obviously it is unacceptable and it shouldn't have happened. There's nothing more I can say."
Last week Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the UK's Football Policing Unit lead, said there is a "worrying level of disorder" at football matches after a report showed 999 arrests were made between 1 July and 31 December 2022, a 10% increase on the same period last year.
Last season - the 2021-22 campaign - there were 2,198 football-related arrests, the highest number since the 2013-14 season, according to Home Office figures.
Latest Stories
-
FoBSC Dean leads strategic engagement between UniMAC and Global Media Alliance
10 minutes -
China arrests US scholar suspected of spying
11 minutes -
UK economy contracts as Iran war impact felt
11 minutes -
Pig farmers demand ‘Prako Nkitinkiti’ support to mirror government’s poultry initiative
23 minutes -
Salaga missing baby: Pregnant woman travelled 13 miles on motorbike before delivery at hospital – Assemblymember
23 minutes -
Missing newborn at Salaga Hospital: We don’t know when the baby disappeared – Father speaks
25 minutes -
For better or worse, young people are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support
25 minutes -
Ghanaians welcome plans for local vaccine manufacturing
35 minutes -
District Science and Maths Quiz sparks STEM interest among Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa pupils
46 minutes -
We keep saying ‘Africa forward.’ It’s time to say what forward means.
47 minutes -
National Road Safety Authority urges road users to exercise caution during rainy season
55 minutes -
43 evacuated Ghanaians arrive in Western Region after Côte d’Ivoire demolition exercise
58 minutes -
South Africa trolled by African fans in wake of World Cup loss
58 minutes -
Baaba J sets tone for next chapter with Accra Live show
59 minutes -
KLM Flight returns to Accra after reported onboard fire scare; no injuries recorded
1 hour