Arsenal working with Metropolitan Police to identify fan who threw bottle at Tottenham star Dele Alli
The 22-year-old was struck on the head as he prepared to take a throw-in during Wednesday's game at the Emirates Stadium
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Your support makes all the difference.Metropolitan Police are working with Arsenal to identify the fan who threw a plastic bottle that hit Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli on the head during the north London rivals' hotly-contested EFL Cup quarter-final tie at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
The incident occurred in the 73rd minute when Alli, who had just scored Spurs' second goal, was preparing to take a throw-in.
Alli, whose brilliant strike ultimately secured Tottenham’s place in the last four of the competition, responded by holding up two fingers to the Arsenal supporters in reference to his team’s two-goal lead in the match.
In a statement, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “The Met is working with Arsenal Football Club to identify the person responsible for an incident where a bottle was thrown onto the pitch during the Arsenal vs Tottenham match on Wednesday, 19 December.
“There has been no arrest in relation to this specific incident.
“Seven people were arrested as part of the policing operation for this match for a variety of offences including possession of drugs, public order and assault on police.”
The incident attracted immediate and widespread condemnation, with Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino calling the perpetrator “a stupid person” and voicing his relief that Alli did not suffer a significant injury.
After the game, Alli told Sky Sports: “It is what it is - it made the goal a bit sweeter and the win.”
The Football Association has confirmed that it is also investigating the matter but added that it is up to the police and club to try to identify the culprit and make sure they face the appropriate sanction, which will almost certainly be a ban.
Arsenal have not yet responded to a request for comment but it is understood they are reviewing CCTV footage to find the person responsible.
Former Gunners striker Ian Wright believes the fan should face a strong punishment.
He told his YouTube channel: “I've got to roundly condemn the person who chose to throw something at Dele Alli.
“I know Dele can be a bit of a pantomime villain but it's no excuse. I did exactly the same to the Spurs fans and I don't ever remember having anything thrown at me.
“Whatever the club is doing they should fine that person, ban them, ban them for life. We don't want that attached to our club.”
A Spurs fan was arrested for throwing a banana skin at Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang when the two teams met in the Premier League at the start of the month.
He was handed a four-year football banning order on Wednesday after pleading guilty to throwing a missile.
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