The forward was clapped onto the pitch by the Spurs fans when he was subbed on.
Bukayo Saka received a warm reception as he came onto the pitch for Arsenal in a pre-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur.
Fans of the two teams put their rivalry aside to clap the 19-year-old onto the pitch when he was subbed on for the Gunners in the second half.
https://www.facebook.com/TottenhamHotspur/videos/4282101568522906/
Fans also displayed a banner at the game which read: “North London stands with Bukayo Saka and all players against racism and discrimination.”
Saka was one of three players, along with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, who were racially abused on social media after missing penalties for England in their penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
We stand together. ✊
💙 @SpursLGBT pic.twitter.com/M6Fy2jl78D
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 8, 2021
Son Heung-min scored with 10 minutes to go in the friendly to give Spurs a 1-0 victory over their old foes.
Saka himself came close to scoring but was denied by Spurs keeper Pierluigi Gollini.
On his return to training for Arsenal, Saka was met with a touching tribute from fans wanting to offer their support and kind words to the youngster, who had sent in an avalanche of letters and gifts for him ahead of the new season.
Saka was clearly touched by the overwhelming support.
💬 "How do I even say thank you for all of this?"
Just look at the incredible love and support from our fans to @BukayoSaka87
Thank you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vznIV7Ubmn
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 4, 2021
Let’s hope the scenes at Tottenham are a sign of things to come for the rest of the season.
Related links:
Portsmouth sack three players for racist messages about Rashford, Sancho and Saka
Bukayo Saka releases first statement following racial abuse after Euro 2020 final
‘I did three grams of coke during a game’: Inside football’s problem with Class A drugs
