West Ham United boss David Moyes has told Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison he must be “prepared to take the hits” if continues his ball-juggling antics.
The Brazilian international, who joined Spurs for a club-record £60million fee in the summer, sparked controversy during Antonio Conte’s side’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, with the former Everton man ball juggling mid-game, leading to Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams bundling in on him withing seconds of him doing it, getting Johnson booked.
West Ham boss David Moyes has declared he doesn’t agree with what Richarlison did. (Credit:Getty Images)
Richarlison has since faced heavy criticism, including from Forest manager Steve Cooper and pundit Jamie Carragher.
Johnson’s dad David even tweeted post-match: “No one comes to the City Ground and takes the p***.”
Spurs chief Antonio Conte defended his man, who got a double dose of pain when Neco Williams landed on him after Johnson’s hefty lunge.
And as West Ham prepare to welcome Richarlison and Tottenham to the London Stadium on Wednesday night, Moyes says his players will not let the Brazilian get off lightly with a repeat offence.
Asked if there was room in the game for ball juggling, boss Moyes said: “No, I don’t think there is.
“I think football in all countries, there’s no room for ball juggling, whether it is in this one or any other ones, or whether it be in non-league or the Premier League.
“If you are talented enough to do that, you need to be strong enough to take the hits.”
Antonio Conte’s men head to the east of the capital hoping to keep things tight against a Hammers side who got off the mark at the weekend. The two bitter rivals lock horns at London Stadium in the Premier League on Wednesday evening.
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