Police have confirmed a man will appear in court after kicking Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at the North London derby
Joseph Watts, 35, of Hackney is due to appear at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 17 February. The incident involving Arsenal goalkeeper Ramsdale came at the end of the derby as Arsenal beat Spurs to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
“A man has been charged with assaulting an Arsenal player after a match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, 15 January,” the Met Police statement read. “Joseph Watts, 35 (23.06.87) of Hackney was charged on Tuesday, 17 January with assault by beating, going onto an area adjacent to playing area and throwing a missile onto a football playing area, both contrary to the Football (Offences) Act 1991.
“He is due to appear at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 17 February. The Met’s Football Investigations Team were assisted in their enquiries by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.”
Tottenham had earlier released a statement of their own. “We are appalled by the behaviour of a supporter that attempted to attack Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at the end of today’s match. Violence in any form has no place in football,” it read.
“The Club has reviewed its CCTV footage to identify the supporter and will be working with the Met Police, Arsenal and Aaron Ramsdale to take the strongest possible action, including an immediate ban from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.”
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In the aftermath of the incident in north London, the Football Supporters Association issued a statement to Mirror Sport. “The stand is for the fans and the pitch is for the players – there’s absolutely no excuse for attacking players and we’ll continue to work with the football authorities on initiatives which challenge disorder,” the FSA said. “Any supporter entering the field of play, whatever their intention, risks prosecution and a Football Banning Order.”
Arsenal won 2-0 at Tottenham on Sunday to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points. It marked the first time since 2014 that the Gunners have completed a league double over their rivals.
Spurs are next in action on Thursday, taking on Arsenal’s title challengers Manchester City. Arsenal, meanwhile,. do not play again until Sunday when they welcome Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium.
