‘Tottenham fan’, 35, charged with assaulting Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale at end of North London derby

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was attacked in an incident after a match on Sunday (Nick Potts/PA)
PA Wire

A 35-year-old man has been charged with assaulting Aaron Ramsdale after the final whistle of Arsenal’s fiery derby day victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

Joseph Watts, from Hackney, was charged 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.

The Metropolitan Police said their Football Investigations Team were helped in their investigation by Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal’s number one appeared to be attacked by a man from the crowd as he went to collect gloves behind his goal on the final whistle of Arsenal’s comprehensive 2-0 victory.

Man of the Match Ramsdale made big saves to deny Son, Kane and then Ryan Sessegnon during the game before clashing with Tottenham striker Richarlison after celebrating the win.

The result leaves Spurs languishing in fifth place whilst Mikel Arteta’s men extended their lead at the top of the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Ramsdale celebrates the derby day victory that opened up a gap at the top of the Premier League
Getty Images

The FA are looking into the incident and Spurs say the fan faces an “immediate ban”.

A Tottenham statement said at the time: “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.”

The PFA also condemned the incident.

“These incidents are happening far too often. Players have a right to be safe in their place of work,” said the PFA.

“When a player is attacked, we expect the laws and regulations that are in place to protect players to be properly enforced.

“As the players’ union, we treat this as a priority issue. We will continue working with the authorities to demand players and staff are better protected in their place of work.”

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