West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur have a long-standing and intense rivalry, made evident by their tumultuous past encounters. The infamous “lasagne-gate” incident in 2005, where Tottenham players fell ill after consuming a dodgy team meal, still resonates today. Given this backdrop, West Ham player El Hadji Malick Diouf’s actions after Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Spurs have sparked controversy.
The Incident
Diouf, a £19 million signing from Slavia Prague, responded to Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr’s celebratory post about beating West Ham with two love heart emojis. Sarr had captioned his post “This is how we bounce back,” alongside a picture of him celebrating his goal. Diouf’s gesture has been perceived as naïve, especially considering the deep-seated animosity between the two clubs ¹.
Diouf’s Performance
Despite the controversy, Diouf was one of West Ham’s standout performers in the match. The 20-year-old Senegalese left-back kept former Hammer Mohammed Kudus largely quiet and provided several brilliant crosses, showcasing his attacking prowess. Diouf’s enthusiasm and energy were evident, and he was one of the few players who could walk off the pitch with his head held high ¹.
Rivalry Between West Ham and Spurs
The rivalry between West Ham and Spurs extends beyond the pitch, with tensions simmering in the boardroom. Notable incidents include Daniel Levy’s fallout with West Ham’s vice-chair Karren Brady over the London Stadium and David Gold’s public lambasting of Levy after he reneged on a deal to sign Emmanuel Adebayor from Tottenham. The clubs have a history of altercations, with Mohammed Kudus flooring three Spurs players last season being a recent example ¹.
Diouf’s Plea to Fans
After the defeat, Diouf took to social media to plead with West Ham fans to keep the faith, saying, “It won’t be easy, just stay together, it’s just the beginning.” This gesture shows that despite the controversy, Diouf is committed to the team and wants to rally support behind manager Graham Potter ².
Conclusion
While Diouf’s actions may have been ill-advised, it’s essential to consider his age and the fact that he’s still learning the nuances of the Premier League. As one of the few positives in an otherwise disappointing season for West Ham, Diouf deserves some slack from fans. His performances on the pitch will ultimately determine how he’s perceived, and it’s crucial for him to maintain his focus and dedication to the team ¹.
