By Habeeb Kuranga
A fan of Tottenham Hotspur has been charged with assault following his melee with Arsenal’s shot-stopper, Aaron Ramsdale.
The fan was identified by the Metropolitan Police as Joseph Watts, 35, of Hackney. He will now appear at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on February 17.
“A man has been charged with assaulting an Arsenal player after a match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, 15 January,” wrote the authorities in a statement on Tuesday. “Joseph Watts, 35 (23.06.87) of Hackney was charged on Tuesday, 17 January with assault by beating, going onto an area adjacent to the playing area and throwing a missile onto a football playing area, both contrary to the Football (Offences) Act 1991.”
The said man attacked Ramsdale after the final whistle of the north London derby which Arsenal won by two goals to nothing against Tottenham Hotspur. This came following a tense scene between the players of both sides immediately after Craig Pawson signalled the end of proceedings.
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and Tottenham condemned the incident, with Spurs assisting the police in investigating the matter.
“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.” Tottenham wrote in a statement.
