Man charged with assault of Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after North London Derby
A 35-year-old man has been charged with assault when a fan invaded the pitch after Sunday’s North London Derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal and attempted to kick Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Joseph Watts from Hackney has been charged with assault by beating, entering into an area adjacent to the playing area, and throwing a missile onto a football playing area, which are both in contravention of the Football (Offences) Act 1991.
He will appear at Highbury Magistrates Court on Friday 17 February.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club assisted the Metropolitan Police’s Football Investigations team in their enquiries into the incident.
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The typically feisty derby between the Premier League’s two North London rivals ended in a 2-0 defeat at home for Spurs, before Ramsdale was assaulted.
In the immediate aftermath of the final whistle, Ramsdale went behind his goal and a fan jumped the pitchside barriers and aimed a kick at the England ‘keeper.
He then made an escape through the crowd, although he was captured on both Sky Sports and by fans filming in the crowd.
A statement from Tottenham Hotspur after the incident read: "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 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."
The Football Supporters Association also released a statement after the incident which read: “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.
"Any supporter entering the field of play, whatever their intention, risks prosecution and a Football Banning Order."
In footballing terms, Arsenal’s win puts them eight points ahead of second placed Manchester City in the Premier League standings, and is the first time the Gunners have achieved a league double over their bitter rivals since 2014.
An own goal from Spurs goalie Hugo Lloris and a second from Martin Ødegaard saw Arsenal ultimately cruise to victory, though Tottenham staged something of a second half fightback.
Next up for Tottenham is Manchester City on Thursday, whilst Arsenal welcome Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
A title win for Arsenal this season would be their first Premier League triumph since 2003/2004, and would end two years of City supremacy in England's top division.
Spurs currently sit fifth in the league, 14 points behind their opponents on Sunday.
Topics: UK News, Football, Sport, Crime, Arsenal, Premier League
Tom Wood