Ryan Mason defends Richarlison after Tottenham forward was mocked by Antonio and Wilson
Tottenham boss Ryan Mason slams Mikhail Antonio and Callum Wilson after they mocked Richarlison for ‘taking his top off more times than he scored’ in podcast episode ridiculing a Premier League rival
Ryan Mason has defended Richarlison after the £60 million Tottenham striker was mocked by Premier League forwards Michail Antonio and Callum Wilson.
Newcastle hitman Wilson and West Ham star Antonio lashed out at Richarlison for his wild, shirtless celebration after scoring a last-gasp equalizer at Liverpool last month – only for Diego Jota to score the winner for the Reds moments later.
“He has scored four times this season,” Antonio continued The footballer’s soccer podcast. He was offside three times [and] he has taken his top off four times this season.
“He’s got four yellow cards – he’s almost suspended,” Wilson added on The Footballer’s Football Podcast, before the pair burst into laughter.
While the pair joked at his expense, Richarlison has actually only been booked once as he took his shirt off to celebrate this season.
Richarlison took his shirt off after scoring late at Anfield and was booked
His celebration – topped off by the Brazilian hushing the crowd and his signature ‘pigeon dance’ – was short-lived when Diogo Jota scored for the Reds 99 seconds later.
The Brazilian cost Spurs £60 million from Everton last summer, but his stoppage-time header at Anfield was his first league goal for the club after attempts against Fulham and Nottingham Forest were ruled out for offside.
Mason admitted that Richarlison has struggled “for rhythm” this season, but supported him to get well next season.
He said, ‘Maybe he heard it, maybe he saw it, maybe it will get him something more. I’m not sure about that
“We all try to do our best, we are all professionals, we work hard, we dedicate our lives to get to this level and compete at this level.
‘I don’t really like that sort of thing [Antonio and Wilson mocking Richarlison]personal.
“From a player’s point of view, I was signed to a club as a record signing, so I know the feeling that you really want to give something back.
“One thing I want to say about Richy is that he’s always come in and had energy to try. He’s a fighter, he works hard, he trains hard.
The £60 million man was raving after a goal against Fulham in September – before the goal was disallowed for offside
“I have never seen anyone who 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 a rhythm. He’s had quite a few injuries this year and picked up a few while on international duty.
“I always felt he was chasing his fitness. And there were moments early in the season when he had a few disallowed goals, a few moments when he fell on the post and maybe they went in, maybe it created a little bit of momentum.
Spurs will receive Brentford on Saturday and end the season at Leeds on May 28.