[ad_1]
Michail Antonio and Callum Wilson have been criticised by interim Tottenham boss Ryan Mason over their mocking of Richarlison.
The Spurs striker has failed to live up to his £60million price tag since arriving from Everton last summer.
Getty
Getty
He has scored just once in the Premier League, which came in the 4-3 defeat away at Liverpool last month.
His underwhelming campaign has led to him being labelled as the ‘flop of the season’ by talkSPORT hosts Gabby Agbonlahor and Dean Saunders.
And Newcastle forward Wilson and West Ham star Antonio revelled in his misfortune on The Footballer’s Football Podcast, where they laughed about his struggles.
Mason has now come to the Brazilian’s defence, where he stated he didn’t think it was respectful of his fellow professionals to make jibes over the player.
GETTY
Richarlison labelled ‘flop of the season’ after struggling again for Spurs
‘Not so brave now’ – Tottenham star Richarlison provokes awkward moment for Danny Rose
AFP
Speaking in his press conference on Friday, Mason said: “I certainly don’t feel like I’m ever in a position to criticise another head coach or another manager on the work they’re doing or the job they’re doing at their football club.
“Richy, I don’t think he’s thinking about other players. His own pride and his own determination will probably drive that most of all.
“Maybe he’s heard it, maybe’s seen it, maybe it will give him a little bit more. I’m not sure on that.
“As a coach I wouldn’t do it, and as a player I’d never have done it as well. I don’t really like that type of thing.
Getty
“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.
“I don’t really like that type of thing, personally. From a player’s point of view, I’ve been signed for a club [Hull] as a record signing so I know the feeling that you really want to give back.
“One thing I will say about Richy is he’s always come in and he’s had energy to try. He’s a fighter, he works hard, he trains hard.
“I’ve never seen someone that shirks responsibility. Yes of course we would have wanted more goals and he would have wanted more goals from himself, but that’s not happened.
“Hopefully now he can influence the last two games and score goals to help us.”
He added: “I think I can probably speak quite openly in terms of the goal return that he’d probably be disappointed with that.
“But he’s never really had any rhythm whatsoever. He has had quite a few injuries this year and I’ve always felt like he’s been chasing his fitness.”
Richarlison will be looking to end the season on a high in Spurs‘ final two fixtures against Brentford and Leeds with a place in the Europa League still up for grabs.