Tottenham Hotspur fan admits assaulting Aaron Ramsdale after North London derby

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 17 February 2023

Tottenham fan admits assaulting Aaron Ramsdale after North London derby

A 35-year-old Tottenham Hotspur supporter pleads guilty to assaulting Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in last month's North London derby.

A Tottenham Hotspur supporter has admitted assaulting Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale following the end of last month's North London derby.

Joseph Watts, 35, of Dalston, Hackney, pleaded guilty to assault by beating at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on Friday after kicking Ramsdale in the back at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 15.

Following the full-time whistle in the derby, which Arsenal won 2-0 thanks to Hugo Lloris's own goal and Martin Odegaard'd strike, Ramsdale taunted the Tottenham fans behind his goal.

The England international's actions sparked a confrontation with Richarlison, who squared up to Ramsdale and put his hand in the goalkeeper's face before the latter went to collect his belongings.

While his back was turned to the supporters, Ramsdale was kicked by Watts, who had made his way onto the advertising boards before scampering away back up the stands.

Tottenham Hotspur's Richarlison confronts Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale on January 15, 2023 © Reuters

Watts had covered his face while assaulting the Arsenal goalkeeper, but he was subsequently seen sitting back down before leaving the stadium, and he was charged two days later.

The 35-year-old admitted the assault charge, as well as throwing missiles onto the playing area - launching four coins onto the turf - and going on to an area adjacent to a playing field.

Watts has been handed a 12-month community order and four-year football banning order, as well as being made to pay £100 in compensation to Ramsdale and carrying out 150 hours of unpaid work.

The court heard that Watts - who arrived with a baseball cap hiding his face - had consumed six pints during the game and was drunk at the time of the incident, but he was previously considered to have been of good character.

Ramsdale provided a victim statement which was read out in court, revealing that he had to see a masseuse to treat his "heavy" back, although he was not left with any marks.

"I've never had someone enter the pitch and kick me, I don't think it's acceptable that I should be assaulted at work," the 24-year-old said, while also affirming that he would be more cautious about the possibility of similar events happening again.

Arsenal and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale pictured on November 18, 2022 © Reuters

Tottenham affirmed that any supporter found guilty of the attack on Ramsdale would be subjected to an immediate ban, saying in a statement: "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."

The FA also expressed their disapproval at the "wholly unacceptable" assault in a statement, which read: "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."

Ramsdale will be expected to start in goal when Arsenal return to action against Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime, where a point would temporarily send them back to the top of the Premier League table over Manchester City.