Ben White’s agent urged the defender’s critics to “be kind” as he launched a passionate defense of the Arsenal star..
The 26-year-old, who has been a standout performer this season, scored twice in the 5-0 win over Chelsea on Tuesday night.
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But despite being one of the best full-backs on current form, White has faced criticism following his request to be left out of the England squad for March’s international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
He left the former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp to brand the former Brighton star “disgusting” – without knowing why White asked to be left out.
And now White’s rep, Alexander Levack, has addressed the “negative” attention his client has received, but did not specify which stories he was referring to.
In a statement posted on his LinkedIn profile, Levack said: “I feel compelled to write this today after such a great performance last night, and all season for that matter, from the client. Ben White.
“For four weeks, Ben has been in the press and there was a lot of media coverage around that time, a large percentage of which was negative.
“While I appreciate the fact that Ben is in the public eye, which brings its own connotations and leaves you open to criticism, I wanted to emphasize that every elite artist, regardless of field, is a human being who has the same feeling as all of us have and experience the good and the bad.
“No one knows what really happens in life, so I really believe people should think before passing judgment or criticizing these elite artists in public.
“Ben showed incredible toughness and strength throughout this difficult time off the field, blocked out all the noise and performed incredibly well on the field, in a situation where many others would have could and would have withered.
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“Ben has an incredible temperament and attitude that allows him to navigate his professional and personal life.
“I guess the main message is to be kind to people, because you don’t have all the facts, which, in Ben’s case, neither Ben nor I want to express publicly, and we don’t know what going on in people’s personal lives, so again, be kind.”
White is a candidate to be named in the Premier League team of the season after scoring four goals and as many assists in 33 top-flight appearances.
He has also proven vital in Mikel Arteta’s side, with 16 clean sheets, six more than any other team.
His dazzling performances saw him sign a new long-term contract with the Gunners last month, with his teammates featuring in the healthy announcement.
Since joining Arsenal in 2021 in a deal worth £50m, White has only missed seven Premier League games.
