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Football London
Football London
Sport
Tom Coley

Met Police confirm man charged with assaulting Aaron Ramsdale after Tottenham vs Arsenal

The Met Police have confirmed that a 35-year-old man has been charged with assaulting an Arsenal player after the North London Derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

The incident in question came after the Gunners won 2-0 with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale being kicked by a fan that had climbed down from the stands before rushing back into the stand.

Spurs forward Richarlison confronted Ramsdale, 24, at full-time for overcelebrating in front of the home fans, leading to a brawl of players and staff in which Ramsdale turned his back on the crowd before being kicked.

READ MORE: Daniel Levy, Antonio Conte and a defining fortnight for Tottenham Hotspur

A statement from the Met Police reads: "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, 17 January 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.

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

"The Met's Football Investigations Team were assisted in their enquiries by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club."

When asked about it after the game, Ramsdale said, "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."

Spurs defender Eric Dier condemned the actions, saying, "No of course not (want to see it). "It's unacceptable really. There's nothing more I can say. It shouldn't have happened". Meanwhile the Premier League, FA and PFA have all released statements on the incident as well.

Tottenham also gave a statement, adding: "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."

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