Aaron Ramsdale. News Images

Man charged with assaulting Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale at Tottenham

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 1/17/23

A fan has been charged with assaulting Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale shortly after Sunday's 2-0 win at North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

According to Sky Sports News, a 35-year-old named Joseph Watts was charged with "assault by beating, going on to an area adjacent to a playing area and throwing a missile onto a football playing area" related to an incident that occurred at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Watts is due to appear at Highbury Magistrates' Court on Feb. 17 following an investigation aided by Tottenham.

Television cameras picked up Tottenham forward Richarlison confronting Ramsdale about what was initially an unknown matter. The goalkeeper then retreated to grab his water bottle but was kicked by a fan who had made his way down to the first row:

Everytime Richarlison plays against us he gets wound up pic.twitter.com/0Au4tnTaeF
— Andrew (@AndyArsenal17) January 15, 2023

According to Adriana Garcia of ESPN, Richarlison later blasted Ramsdale's celebratory actions that preceded the fan's assault.

"What I really didn't like was their goalkeeper going to celebrate in front of our fans," Richarlison told ESPN following the loss. "It's kind of disrespectful to our fans, he has his fans, he has to go celebrate with his fans, not be cute with our fans."

Tottenham confirmed on Sunday they were using CCTV footage to identify the suspect and would work with Metropolitan Police, Arsenal, and Ramsdale regarding an investigation. The guilty party is facing an immediate ban from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Sky Sports shared a video on Tuesday that showed the fan's face after he lowered his scarf following the alleged assault.

The fan who kicked Ramsdale caught on camera pic.twitter.com/YVxfjUYRcd
— Doc (@karthikadhaigal) January 17, 2023

Sunday's results put first-place Arsenal eight points clear of second-place Manchester City in the English Premier League table. Meanwhile, Tottenham is fifth and trails fourth-place Manchester United by five points in the battle for UEFA Champions League qualification.

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