Bukayo Saka applauded on Arsenal return by Tottenham fans

Tottenham fans put north London allegiances to one side in a stand of solidarity with Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka as he returned to domestic football for the first time since Euro 2020.

Saka was subjected to racist abuse on social media after he missed the crucial final penalty in England’s shootout defeat to Italy in the European Championship final at Wembley on July 11.

The nation rallied around Saka in the aftermath and, on his first assignment with Arsenal – a pre-season friendly at Tottenham – since the Euro 2020 final, supporters of his club’s fiercest rivals showed their support.

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A banner erected at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium read: “North London stands with Bukayo Saka and all players against racism and discrimination.”

Saka, who returned from an extended break after Euro 2020, responded in kind to the Tottenham fans by applauding them.

Spurs won the pre-season friendly 1-0 after a late goal by Heung-Min Son, although 19-year-old Saka did have a chance to snatch a draw five minutes from time, only to be denied by new Spurs goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini.