Ryan Mason has defended Richarlison after the £60million striker’s friendly roasting from fellow marksmen Michail Antonio and Callum Wilson.
The luckless Brazilian, 25, has managed just three goals since his move from Everton last summer. He netted against Liverpool earlier this month but had two chalked off for offside against Fulham in September and Nottingham Forest in March. Speaking on their BBC podcast, West Ham ’ Antonio and Newcastle ’s Wilson gently ribbed him.
“He's scored four [sic] times this season,” said Antonio. “Three of the times he's been offside [and] he's taken his top off four times this season." Wilson added: “He's got four yellows – he's almost on a suspension!” - before the pair collapsed into laughter.
Booked Richarlison has actually only been booked once for removing his shirt after a disallowed goal, in the 2-1 home win over Fulham earlier in the season. Neither of his two goals against Marseille in the Champions League saw him take his shirt off.
His other booking came from an argument he had with the referee when Spurs played West Ham in late August.
And Mason said: “Maybe he's heard the podcast, maybe seen it? Maybe it might give him a little bit determination. I'm not sure.
“But first of all, as a coach, I wouldn't do it. I've never done it as a player either. I don't really like that type of thing.
"We're all trying to do our best. We're all professionals. We're working hard. We dedicate our lives to get to this level and to compete at this level.
“So I don't really like that type of thing personally. But from a player's point of view. I've been signed for a club as a record signing and I know the feeling that you want to give back.
“One thing I will say about Richie is he's added energy, he's a fighter. He works hard, he trains hard and I've never seen someone that's shirked responsibility. Yes, of course, we would have wanted more goals and he would have wanted more goals.
“But we still have two games left and hopefully he can influence them, score some goals and help us.”
