Arsenal Tottenham Rivalry Marred By Destructive Fans

As is usually the case, the North London Derby was unfortunately about more than just a competition between two teams. Arsenal and Tottenham are such fierce rivals that sometimes things get a bit out of hand. From an entertainment aspect, we see it on the pitch. Arsenal and Tottenham players are well aware of their own rivalry and it can get a bit crazy out there.

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Take for instance Mesut Ozil leveling Harry Kane. That was immensely entertaining, from an Arsenal perspective especially. Then we can consider Olivier Giroud and Jan Vertonghen’s little scuffle in the box. At one point or another, they both hit the dirt. That is fun.

But what isn’t fun is when the fans get involved. Both sets of fans have been involved in some less than flattering behavior. During the Capital One Cup last year, Arsenal fans were responsible for ripping signs off of the stands. This year, eight arrests have been made for various offenses (via SkySports).

The first incident happened during play. Mesut Ozil was struck by what the SkySports report refers to as a ‘missile’. The images are rather diverse and some are entertaining, ranging from a nerf dart to a SCUD. But the point remains the same. A player should not have to fear for his own safety when going over to a take a corner kick. That is excessive and shameful.

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But it didn’t end there. Photos also show extensive damage to the bathrooms at the Emirates, including smashed sinks and toilets. Eight people were arrested.

According to reports, “the arrests were for public order offences, missile throwing, possession of drugs and assault. Six of those arrested have been charged.”

The investigations are ongoing and probably will be for awhile, but there is cooperation between both sides, just like there was in the Capital One Cup.

With each successive meeting, the fans get more and more rambunctious and rowdy. Who knows what’s in store when Arsenal travel down the road to White Hart Lane. Hopefully, eventually, one set of fans will take the high road and leave the competition on the field.

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That does not appear to be in the near future, however. And that is a shame. The North London Derby is a special occasion but destruction and fan-to-player violence makes it less about the excitement of the competition and more about what the supporters will do to one-up the previous encounter. There was a time when violence and destruction was prevalent in opposing team’s firms but that time has passed.