Skip to main content
North London Derby brings out the worst in fans as Tottenham's Dele Alli hit in the head with a bottle
Dele Alli lets the Arsenal fans know the score during the League Cup quarter-final at Ashburton Grove

There’s something quite fascinating about the way in which a football derby brings out the most tribalistic side of a football fan, regardless of the circumstances in which the game is played.

A League Cup quarter-final between Arsenal and Tottenham is no different.

It causes grown men to hurl abuse at a ball boy for simply doing his job. It seems to give people the excuse to launch a tirade of expletives towards people who, under any other circumstance, would be considered friends.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Arsenal fans celebrate at the Emirates Stadium, London, May 19, 2026
Men’s football / 22 May 2026
22 May 2026

Premier League champions Arsenal will finally lift the coveted trophy this weekend after 22 long years. LAYTH YOUSIF pays tribute to and remembers those who are not here to see it

Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike celebrates after the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday December 20, 2025
Men’s Football / 7 January 2026
7 January 2026

Slot’s Reds face potential attacking blow with Salah away and Isak injured

ARSENAL
Men’s Football / 28 December 2025
28 December 2025