Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has recently opened up about the ongoing emotional struggle he faced following his wife's tragic miscarriage. Adding to his ordeal, Ramsdale was also physically assaulted after the team's victory against Tottenham in last season's north London derby. Despite the turmoil, the 25-year-old managed to secure a clean sheet in the game, contributing to Arsenal's 2-0 win and keeping their hopes of clinching the Premier League title alive.
Ramsdale retrieved his water bottle from behind the goal, when Joseph Watts, a Spurs fan, jumped onto the advertising hoarding and kicked him from behind. Watts was later given a four-year banning order for assaulting Ramsdale and throwing an object onto the pitch.
In a post-match interview, Ramsdale expressed his disappointment, stating, "It's unfortunate because ultimately, it's just a game of football. Players from both teams tried to intervene and prevent any serious incident. Fortunately, nothing too severe occurred. It's left a bitter feeling."
The England player has now revealed that he was already experiencing personal difficulties prior to the incident at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. In an article for The Players' Tribune, he emphasized that the past year has been an emotional rollercoaster for him and his family, unveiling aspects of their lives that the public is unaware of.
Following the exhilaration of reaching the summit of the Premier League and embarking on my maiden World Cup journey, my wife and I received the joyful news of our first child to come.
Mikel (Arteta) kindly granted me a few additional days of rest following the world event, allowing us to embark on a brief vacation. It undeniably marked the pinnacle of happiness in our lives. And well, I believe it is crucial for people to be aware, even though it is not easy to put it into words.
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During the flight back to London, my wife sadly experienced a miscarriage. The six-hour journey was an indescribable ordeal filled with immense emotional pain that still lingers within me. It is important for others who may be facing a similar situation to understand that they are not alone in their struggles.
"Three days later, we faced Spurs in the derby, and that match became my sole refuge from everything else weighing on my mind. Football has always served as my escape, so I made it clear to the manager that I wanted to participate," he expressed.
"It turned out to be a remarkable night. We emerged triumphant with a 2-0 victory, illuminated by the dazzling floodlights, while our devoted away fans went into a frenzy. If you were to watch the game replay, you'd notice a radiant smile on my face as the final whistle blew. After heading towards the goal to retrieve my water bottle, never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate being struck in the back by a Tottenham supporter."
I have engaged in lively banter with fans from various English leagues, receiving all sorts of derogatory comments. However, it has never gone as far as this incident. I clearly remember returning to the dressing room, unable to celebrate because I was pulled aside to provide a police statement.
Ironically, I almost felt sorry for the individual responsible for this action. If only they knew me personally and understood the challenges I am facing at the moment, they would never have done such a thing. Perhaps, if we were to meet and chat about football someday, we might even become friends.
Ramsdale to take a stand against homophobia in football
Ramsdale, who is currently anticipating the arrival of a baby with his wife Georgina, also addressed the difficulties faced by his gay brother and expressed his desire for football to become an inclusive and welcoming sport."My brother has always been open and true to himself since his days in school," he expressed. "I take immense pride in calling him my brother. Although I haven't discussed this openly before, given the current state of affairs in football, I believe it is crucial to acknowledge it."
Oliver and I share many similarities. He is just an ordinary guy who enjoys football, spending time with friends, and supports the Gunners. I feel a great sense of pride in him, and he feels the same towards me.
Throughout the years, there have been instances in which I have chosen to remain silent, in both private conversations and on social media, when I encounter homophobic remarks or ignorant comments. Perhaps my brother has also opted for this approach, thinking it would alleviate any difficulties I might face.
Today marks the beginning of a significant change. It is not a simple task to express myself openly like this, as there is never a perfect moment for it. Since the beginning of summer, I have been crafting this narrative, and fortunately, my family supports me in sharing it. If I am going to share my story, I want to do it justice.
He added, "As someone responsible for preserving, I have come across countless experiences. You can make any comment about me, and I will find amusement in it. I might even counter with a witty response. However, when it comes to crossing the line towards homophobia or hatred, it is unequivocally unacceptable."
I anticipate the comments that will arise: "Ramsdale, refrain from speaking on matters other than football." Nonetheless, this pertains to football. Football encompasses individuals from all walks of life. If you hold a differing opinion, perhaps introspection is warranted rather than dismissing others' viewpoints.