City striker Emmanuel Adebayor will probably receive his punishment today for his antics during Saturday’s game at Arsenal.
The former Gunner appeared to stamp on Robin van Persie’s face in reaction to a challenge by the Dutchman and later ran the length of the pitch to celebrate his goal in front of the visiting Arsenal fans. But is it any wonder the Togolese striker reacted the way he did?
During the game, Adebayor was subjected to some rough treatment from the Arsenal players which culminated in van Persie lunging at Adebayor in a reckless fashion that could easily have injured the City man, a fact the Dutchman failed to mention in his post match statement when he claimed Adebayor deliberately set out to injure him. If anyone set out to injure someone in this particular incident, it was van Persie himself. In my own opinion, the Dutchman’s post match comments were more directed towards the FA in an attempt to get the City striker banned for a few games, than they were directed at Adebayor.
Over the last few months, there has been a lot of animosity over Adebayor’s move to City. On the pitch on Saturday, Adebayor came in for some heavy abuse from the visiting supporters. Something which you would expect really but considering what has been written and said about him, is it any real surprise he reacted in the way hew did? However, what must be noted here is the disgusting behaviour of the Arsenal supporters. To verbally abuse a former player is one thing, but to throw things onto the pitch and not only put the player at risk but also the stewards other staff is beyond comprehension. Of course, Adebayor's celebrations provoked them, but didn't they provoke him to begin with?
As supporters, we have all given some level of abuse to players. How many times does Wayne Rooney have the name ‘Shrek’ shouted at him? He scores and celebrates in front of the opposing supporters but no-one throws anything at him. As supporters of a football club, we have a responsibility to uphold the reputation of the club. Sadly Arsenal supporters failed to do that on Saturday. But will they or the club be punished? Will van Persie be called in front of the FA to discuss his part in the Adebayor incident?
I think we already know the answer to that. As far as anyone is concerned, Adebayor is the villain and Arsenal the victims. I’m not condoning what he did but sometimes it is better to look at the big picture before passing a judgement.