Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Theo Walcott: Ambulance workers who were pelted with coins while helping Arsenal forward were Tottenham fans

Two of the four stretcher carriers couldn't believe that they were attacked with coins by their own kind

Jack de Menezes
Tuesday 07 January 2014 08:54 EST
Comments
Two of the four ambulance workers that helped Theo Walcott were Tottenham fans
Two of the four ambulance workers that helped Theo Walcott were Tottenham fans (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott may have been pelted with coins by Tottenham fans following his scoreline taunts, but little did they know that they were also launching an attack on their own kind.

Walcott suffered a ruptured cruciate knee ligament late on in the FA Cup north London derby, which saw the Gunners run out comfortable 2-0 winners. But as he was carried of the pitch on a stretcher and enduring the taunts of the close-by Spurs’ supporters, Walcott decided to issue a cheeky reminder of the scoreline, much to their anger.

Fan barraged him with coins and plastic bottles, with the four men carrying the stretcher doing their best to shield themselves from the incoming missiles. However, two of the ambulance workers – Anthony Archer and Daniel Ahmed – have since revealed publicly that they are indeed Tottenham fans.

Ahmed posted on his Facebook page: “'Little does he (Walcott) know he has a Leeds fan and TWO spurs fans protecting him. We truly are professionals.”

When asked by a friend why neither he nor Archer were smiling, he replied: “We were being Pelted by coins!!! It hurts!!”

Archer then added a comment which read: “Can't believe our own fans!! Dan gets concussion and I end up with a dodgy knee! Cheers Theo!”

While Walcott will face no further action over his gesture having been given a reminder of his responsibilities by the FA, he will face a lengthy lay-off that will see him miss the rest of the season as well as the World Cup in Brazil.

Spurs meanwhile are likely to face further action over the conduct of their fans, with pictures emerging of the number of coins collected by a steward that was thrown from the away supporters.

Got any change? A steward collects the coins thrown at Walcott
Got any change? A steward collects the coins thrown at Walcott (GETTY IMAGES)

A statement from the governing body read: “The FA has contacted Arsenal and Tottenham to seek their observations in relation to objects being thrown from both a home and away section of the crowd at different times during Saturday's FA Cup tie.

“The FA condemns any such acts and will liaise with both clubs and the Metropolitan Police to identify those responsible and support the strongest sanctions available, including life bans.

“Meanwhile, in relation to the same fixture, The FA has contacted Arsenal's Theo Walcott and reminded him of his responsibilities regarding a 'scoreline' gesture he made in front of away supporters during the game.

“The FA will not be taking any further disciplinary action.”

Video: Nigel Winterburn on Walcott's World Cup nightmare

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in