credit: Twitter
A 35-year-old Tottenham Hotspur supporter has admitted attacking Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after the North London derby last month. Ramsdale was kicked in the back after the Gunners defeated Spurs 2-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 15.
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The person in question is Joseph Watts from Dalston, Hackney who appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court and pleaded guilty to assault by beating. He also admitted to throwing four coins onto the pitch during the match. The police released a statement which included the offences committed by Watts.
The statement said, "A man has been charged with assaulting an Arsenal player after a match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, 15 January. Joseph Watts, 35 (23.06.87) of Hackney was charged on Tuesday, January 17 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."
Going back to the game, the incident took place towards the dying moments of the game when Ramsdale and Tottenham forward Richarlison were involved scuffle where the ground staff had to step in. As the confrontation heated up, fans jumped on the ground including Joseph Watts, who was seen kicking the Arsenal gloveman.
Reacting to the incident after the game, Ramsdale talked about how throughout the game he was involved in a back-in-forth with Spurs fans but never expected a physical altercation. He further described the incident to be shameful. He said, "The Spurs fans gave me some throughout the game. I was giving some back."
"The people I did give it to greeted it sportsmanlike but one fan tried to give me a little punch on the back. It is a shame as it is just a game of football at the end of the day. Both sets of players tried to bring me away but thankfully nothing too drastic happened. It is a sour taste but I’m sure we will enjoy it when we go back into the dressing room," he further added.
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