Tottenham fan Joseph Watts, 35, has pleaded guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court to assaulting Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on the pitch after the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur on January 15. Following the Gunners' 2-0 win over Spurs at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the goalkeeper was kicked by a supporter when he went to pick up his water bottle.
Watts, of Dalston in Hackney, east London, appeared in person to confirm his name, age and address before entering the pleas, as he admitted to the assault and also admitted charges of going on to an area adjacent to the playing area and throwing a missile on to a football playing area. The 35-year-old also threw four coins towards the pitch.
A scuffle between Ramsdale and Tottenham attacker Richarlison had taken place a few seconds earlier before security separated the pair. After moving back towards the goal to collect his bottle, one person from the home end stood up on the hoardings and kicked the goalkeeper.
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Footage later showed Watts remove his jacket to avoid detection on his way out of the stadium. He was arrested and charged a few days later on Tuesday, January 17, after Tottenham assisted the Metropolitan Police with their enquiries.
Tottenham released a statement following the incident condemning the behaviour from the spectator. A statement on Tottenham's official website 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."
Ramsdale explained after the win against Spurs that he was receiving some comments from Tottenham fans behind him, giving them some jokes back after the game, kissing the Arsenal badge on his shirt. Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he said: "The Spurs fans were giving me some throughout the second half.
"I gave them some back to which the few people that I did to it was probably well greeted, sportsmanship like, and then a fan jumped over and gave me a little punch [kick] in the back. So that’s what happened.
"It’s a shame because it’s just a game of football at the end of the day. Both sets of players tried to bring me away, thankfully nothing actually happened too drastically but it’s a sour taste - I’m sure we’ll enjoy it when we go back in the dressing room."
The Premier League, the FA and the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) have all condemned the incident with individual statements. The Premier League statement read: "The Premier League condemns the behaviour of a fan at the conclusion of the Tottenham Hotspur FC and Arsenal FC match this evening.
"There is no place in football for acts of violence, and under no circumstance should players be attacked or fear for their safety at games. The League will support the clubs and relevant authorities in taking the strongest possible action against the individual responsible."
A statement from the FA said: "We strongly condemn the incident involving a spectator that followed today's Premier League fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. This is wholly unacceptable behaviour and we will work together with the police, the relevant authorities and the clubs to ensure the appropriate action is taken.
The PFA statement read: "Violence towards players is completely unacceptable. These types of incidents are happening far too often.
"Players have a right to be safe in their place of work. When a player is attacked we expect the laws and regulations that are in place to protect them to be properly enforced.
"As the players' union we treat this as a priority issue. We will be continuing to work with the authorities demand that players and staff are better protected in their place of work."
This is a developing news story that will be updated with relevant information as we get it. More to follow...
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