Ben White’s agent defends Arsenal star amid England snub controversy | OneFootball

Controversy continues to surround Arsenal defender Ben White following his decision to make himself unavailable for England national team selection.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from figures like Harry Redknapp, while White’s agent has pleaded for greater understanding, suggesting there are deeper personal reasons behind the player’s choice.

Arsenal defender Ben White has found himself at the centre of controversy after withdrawing himself from England national team selection. The decision has drawn sharp criticism, with former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp even suggesting that White should never play for England again.

White’s agent, Alexander Levack, has issued a passionate defence of his client, urging the public to withhold judgment as they cannot know the full circumstances of White’s personal life.

Redknapp’s criticism and Southgate’s comments

Redknapp, the former Spurs manager, who always wanted to be England manager but was never asked, voiced his disapproval on talkSPORT, saying “Gareth Southgate said the door was still open, but I think it should be slammed right in his mush.” He believes White’s decision to be unavailable for his country is “disgusting.”

England manager Gareth Southgate offered a more measured response, announcing that White had informed him he did not wish to be considered during a recent selection window. White departed England’s 2022 World Cup camp in Qatar early, with Southgate citing “personal reasons” at the time.

White’s key role at Arsenal

Despite the controversy, White remains a crucial part of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side. His impressive performances this season, including his recent brace against Chelsea, have helped propel the Gunners to the top of the Premier League table.

Agent’s plea for understanding

Taking to Instagram, Levack emphasised the shared humanity of elite athletes: “Whilst I appreciate that Ben is in the public eye, which brings its own connotations and leaves you open to criticism, I wanted to make the point that every elite performer, whichever field that may be, is a human being who has the same feeling we all have and experience good and bad.

Levack continued, “No one knows what is actually going on in one’s life so I really believe people should think before making a judgement or criticising these elite performers in public.” He further highlighted White’s strength during this period of off-field difficulties.

“Ben has shown unbelievable robustness and strength throughout this adverse period off the pitch and has blocked out all the noise and has performed incredibly well on the pitch, in a situation where many others could have and would have wilted.

“Ben has an incredible temperament and attitude which allows him the ability to navigate through his working and personal life.”

Levack concluded with the core message of “be kind”, reminding the public that they only have a partial view of the situation and White deserves compassion.

“I suppose the main message is be kind to people as you do not have the full facts, which in Ben’s case neither Ben nor I wish to vocalise publicly, and do not know what is going on in people’s personal lives so again please be kind.’

The reasons behind Ben White’s decision to step away from the England squad remain shrouded in mystery. Both White and his agent have indicated they will not be making a public statement on the matter.