‘I don’t like it’: Interim Tottenham boss Ryan Mason slams Michail Antonio and Callum Wilson after they criticised Richarlison… as he defends the £60m forward despite his struggles for Spurs
- Newcastle forward Wilson and West Ham’s Antonio made fun of Richarlison
- Pair took a swipe at his wild, shirtless celebration after scoring against Liverpool
- Tottenham forward was booked and Jota scored the winner a few minutes later
Ryan Mason has defended Richarlison after the £60million striker was mocked by Premier League forwards Michail Antonio and Callum Wilson.
Newcastle hitman Wilson and West Ham star Antonio took a swipe at Richarlison for his wild, shirtless celebration after scoring a last-gasp equaliser in the 4-3 defeat to Liverpool last month – only for Diego Jota to restore Liverpool’s lead moments later.
‘He’s scored four times this season,’ Antonio said. ‘Three of the times he’s been offside [and] he’s taken his top off four times this season.
‘He’s got four yellows – he’s almost on a suspension,’ Wilson added on The Footballer’s Football Podcast, before the pair dissolved into laughter.
The pair were actually having a joke at his expense as Richarlison has actually only been booked once for taking his shirt off to celebrate.
Richarlison whipped off his jersey after scoring late at Anfield and was handed a yellow card
The celebration – capped by Richarlison shushing the crowd and his trademark ‘pigeon’ dance – was short-lived, as Diogo Jota scored for the Reds 99 seconds later
The Brazilian cost Spurs £60million from Everton last summer but his stoppage-time header at Anfield was his first League goal for the club after seeing efforts chalked off for offside against Fulham and Nottingham Forest.
Mason admitted Richarlison has struggled ‘for rhythm’ this season but backed him to come good next term.
He said: ‘Maybe he’s heard it, maybe’s seen it, maybe it will give him a little bit more. I’m not sure on that
‘We’re all trying to do our best, we’re all professionals, we’re working hard, we dedicate our lives to get to this level and to compete at this level
‘I don’t really like that type of thing, personally.
‘From a player’s point of view, I’ve been signed for a club as a record signing so I know the feeling that you really want to give back.
‘One thing I will say about Richy is he’s always come in and he’s had energy to try. He’s a fighter, he works hard, he trains hard.
The £60m-man was exuberant after scoring against Fulham in September – but only briefly
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‘I’ve never seen someone that shirks responsibility. Yes of course we would have wanted more goals and he would have wanted more goals from himself.
Mason added: ‘He’s never really had any rhythm whatsoever. He has had quite a few injuries this year and has picked up a few on international duty.
‘I’ve always felt like he’s been chasing his fitness. And there were moments early on in the season where he got a few disallowed goals, a few moments were hit the post and maybe those would have gone in then maybe it created a bit of momentum.’
Spurs host Brentford on Saturday and finish the season at Leeds on May 28.
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