A man, 35, has been charged with assaulting Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale after the north London derby

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A 35-year-old man has been charged with assaulting Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after their match with Tottenham Hotspur.

A statement from the Met Police read: “Joseph Watts, 35 (23.06.87) of Hackney on Tuesday 17th January has been charged with assault with battery, going into an area adjacent to a playing area and throwing a missile into a football playing area, both in contravention of the Football (Offences) Act Football for 1991.

He is due to appear at Highbury Magistrates Court on Friday, 17 February.

“The Met’s Football Investigations Team were assisted in their inquiries by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.”

After referee Craig Pawson had blown his whistle to end the game, Ramsdale appeared to circle the net to grab his water bottle. But a fan climbed onto a billboard and attempted to land what appeared to be a kick on the 24-year-old’s back.

Ramsdell, who was facing the other end, called it an attempted “punch”.

A Tottenham statement read: “We are appalled by the behavior of a fan who attempted to attack Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at the end of today’s match. Violence of any form has no place in football.

“The club will work with the Met Police, Arsenal and Aaron Ramsdale to take the strongest possible action, including an immediate ban from Tottenham Hotspur.”

The Premier League also issued a statement about the incident, saying: “The Premier League condemns the behavior of a fan at the conclusion of the Tottenham Hotspur-Arsenal match this evening.

“There is no place in football for violence, and players should not be attacked under any circumstances or fear for their safety at matches.

“The League will support clubs and the relevant authorities in taking the strongest possible action.”

Speaking about the incident, Ramsdale told Sky Sports: “Tottenham fans gave me some of it throughout the game. I was giving back some of the money. The people I gave to give it a sporting welcome, but one fan tried to give me a little pat on the back.

“It’s a shame because it’s just a game of football at the end of the day. Both groups tried to clear me but luckily nothing serious happened. It’s a bit of a sour taste but I’m sure we’ll enjoy it when we get back to the dressing room.”

A statement from the Professional Footballers’ Association read: “Violence towards players is totally unacceptable. These types of incidents happen all too often.

“Players have the right to be safe where they work. When a player is attacked, we expect the laws and regulations in place to protect them to be properly enforced.” As a players’ union, we treat this as a matter of priority. We will continue to work with the authorities to demand better protection for players and staff in their workplaces.”

The Football Association added in a statement: “We strongly condemn the incident involving a spectator following today’s Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

“This is totally unacceptable behaviour, and we will work with the police, relevant authorities and the clubs to ensure that appropriate action is taken.”

An own goal from Hugo Lloris and a long-range strike from Martin Odegaard secured the three points for Arteta’s side, who are now eight points off the top of the Premier League.

Arsenal play Manchester United next on January 22.

(Photo: Getty Images)

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