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Police charge a 35-year-old man with assaulting Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after the Gunners’ number 1 was kicked by a fan following Mikel Arteta’s side’s 2-0 victory in the North London derby on Sunday.
A man has been charged with allegedly kicking Aaron Ramsdale following Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Spurs in the north London derby on Sunday.
After an impressive display from the Gunners under the sticks, the Ramsdale goalkeeper was greeted by a fan as he went to collect his bottle behind the goal.
The supporter lashed out and appeared to make contact with the England international, who admitted after the match that the incident left him with a “sour taste” after his Man of the Match performance.
A 35-year-old man has been charged with allegedly kicking Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
A Metropolitan Police statement said: ‘A man has been charged with assaulting an Arsenal player after a match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday 15 January.
‘Joseph Watts, 35 (23.06.87) of Hackney was charged on Tuesday 17th January with assault with beatings, going into an area adjacent to the playing area and launching a missile into a football playing area, both contrary to the (Crimes) of soccer. Law of 1991.
You are due to appear in Highbury Magistrate Court on Friday, February 17.
The Met’s football investigations team was assisted in their investigations by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.
The FA strongly condemned the incident after the North London derby, insisting that the behavior was “totally unacceptable”.
Video footage showing the moment a Tottenham fan attacked the Arsenal goalkeeper
The governing body said: “We strongly condemn the incident involving a bystander following today’s Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.”
“This is totally unacceptable behavior and we will work together with the police, the relevant authorities and the clubs to ensure that appropriate action is taken.”
The temperatures rose inside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Arsenal built a commanding 2-0 lead at half time.
Ramsdale, in top form, fended off Harry Kane towards the end of the first half and then made a series of vital saves after half-time to help Arsenal carve out an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Referee Craig Pawson more or less controlled the fight, but tensions quickly came to a head late in the match.
The buoyant Arsenal goalkeeper was seen exchanging words with Richarlison, who looked outraged after Spurs’ defeat.
The Brazilian approached the goalkeeper and was seen shoving his hands into the England star’s face as he made his way towards the back of the goal.
As Ramsdale gestured to the Spurs fans, a supporter rushed several rows of seats and kicked him as he balanced over the barriers.
The man, who was wearing a scarf over his mouth in an effort to hide his identity, ran quickly into the sea of Spurs supporters as Ramsdale was escorted out by the stewards.