A 35-year-old man has been accused of assaulting Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after his game against Tottenham Hotspur.
A Met Police statement said: “Joseph Watts, 35 (6/23/87), of Hackney, was charged Tuesday 17 January with assault by beating, entering an area adjacent to a field and throwing a rocket at a football pitch . both breach the Football (Offences) Act 1991.
“He is due to appear in Highbury Magistrates’ Court on Friday February 17.
“The Met’s Football Investigations Team was assisted in their investigation by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.”
After referee Craig Pawson blew his whistle to end the game, Ramsdale appeared to walk around the net to grab his water bottle. But a supporter climbed onto a billboard and attempted what appeared to be a kick in the back of the 24-year-old.
Ramsdale, looking the other way, described it as an attempted “punch.”
A statement from Tottenham said: “We are appalled by the behavior of a supporter who attempted to tackle Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at the end of today’s game. Violence in any form has no place in football.
“The club will work with the Met Police, Arsenal and Aaron Ramsdale to take the best possible action, including an immediate ban on Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.”
The Premier League also released a statement on the incident, which read: “The Premier League condemns the behavior of a fan at the end of tonight’s game between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Arsenal FC.
“There is no place for violence in football and under no circumstances should players be attacked or fear for their safety at matches.
“The league will support clubs and the relevant authorities to take the maximum measures possible.”
Of the incident, Ramsdale told Sky Sports: “The Spurs fans gave me some of that throughout the game. I gave back. The people I gave it to gave it a sporty welcome, but a fan tried to give me a small smack on the back.
“It’s a shame as at the end of the day it’s just a football game. Both groups of players tried to get me away, but luckily nothing too drastic happened. It’s a bitter taste but I’m sure we’ll enjoy it when we go back to the dressing room.”
A statement from the professional football association said: “Violence against players is totally unacceptable. Such incidents happen far too often.
“Players have a right to be safe in their workplace. If a player is attacked, we expect that the laws and regulations that are in place to protect them will be properly enforced. “As a players’ union, we treat this as a priority issue. We will continue to work with authorities to demand that players and staff be better protected in their workplace.”
The FA 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 behavior and we will work with the police, relevant authorities and clubs to ensure that the appropriate action is taken.”
An own goal from Hugo Lloris and a long-range shot from Martin Odegaard secured the three points for Arteta’s side, who are now eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Arsenal next play Manchester United on January 22nd.
(Photo: Getty Images)