Tottenham fan, 35, admits kicking Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale in the back after North London derby

17 February 2023, 10:23 | Updated: 17 February 2023, 11:32

Aaron Ramsdale was kicked in the back by a Spurs fan
Aaron Ramsdale was kicked in the back by a Spurs fan. Picture: Getty

By Kit Heren

A football fan who attacked Arsenal's goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has admitted assault by beating.

Joseph Watts, 35, admitted the assault at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court to assault at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 15 after the North London derby, which the Gunners won 2-0.

The Tottenham fan climbed over the advertising hoardings behind the end that Arsenal were defending and kicked the goalkeeper in the back as he stooped to pick up a water bottle from the turf at the final whistle. Stewards then pushed him away.

Watts, who had had six pints and was drunk, tried to hide his face as he hurried from the stands, and later removed his jacket in a bid to avoid being identified.

Ramsdale celebrating
Ramsdale celebrating. Picture: Getty

Read more: Football fan, 35, charged with attacking Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale during North London derby

Read more: Aaron Ramsdale kicked by Spurs fan as tempers flare after Gunners win in North London derby

But he was caught on CCTV, arrested and charged. He pleaded guilty to assault by beating, going on to an area adjacent to the playing area and throwing a missile on to a football playing area. He also threw four coins towards the pitch.

Watts, of Dalston in Hackney, east London, appeared in person to confirm his name, age and address before entering the pleas.

Ramsdale, in a victim statement read to the court, said he saw a masseuse afterwards because his back felt "heavy", but there were no 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," he added.

The England international, 24, also said he was worried about similar attacks happening in the future.

Watts is said to be of good previous character. The hearing has been adjourned until later this morning.

Tottenham released a statement after the game, saying: "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."

Ramsdale with manager Mikel Arteta after the game
Ramsdale with manager Mikel Arteta after the game. Picture: Getty

Arsenal had just won the game 2-0 to solidify their grip on first place in the Premier League at the time, although they have since slipped to second after a defeat by Manchester City on Wednesday.

Spurs continue to struggle to get back into the top four, which would give them Champions League football next season.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Rick Buckler

Rick Buckler, drummer of The Jam, dies aged 69 - former bandmate Paul Weller confirms

Kitchen knives on a magnetic bar holder on the wall

Round-edged blades safer alternatives than sharp-pointed kitchen knives, research shows - in bid to tackle knife crime

A large sinkhole has forced the closure of the high street in the Surrey village of Godstone

Homes evacuated and major incident declared after 65ft sinkhole appears in Surrey village

Lydia Mugambe

United Nations judge forced woman to work as slave after tricking her to come to UK, court hears

Craig and Lindsay Foreman

Did motorbike couple's 'happiness' survey prompt arrest on spying charges in Iran?

Abdirahman Ibrahim has been convicted of murder after driving into the back of Liam Jones

Killer driver mows down e-bike rider to 'teach him lesson' for doing wheelies

The Vatican says Pope Francis is being treated for 'bilateral pneumonia'

New scans show Pope Francis has pneumonia in both lungs but Vatican says he remains ‘in good spirits’

Meghan

Meghan Markle could face 'legal action' from Spanish town as her new luxury brand logo faces resemblance to coat of arms

The father of murdered schoolgirl Sara Sharif is reportedly being protected by a 'Muslim gang'

Sara Sharif's father protected by 'Muslim gang' in jail after being attacked with jagged tuna lid

Zhenhao Zou is accused of raping three women in London and 7 in China, whilst they were unconscious

PhD student 'discussed rape role-play' with alleged victim, trial hears

Exclusive
Senior Tories including Suella Braverman and Michael Gove have criticised the judge's comments

Senior Tories blast 'out of touch' judge for 'ludicrous attack' on Starmer’s migrant remarks

Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, died in an airstrike, Hamas said

Bodies of youngest Israeli hostage Kfir Bibas and his brother and mother to be handed over as family ‘in turmoil’

Lisa Smith, 43, was with a female friend when she was killed outside the Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt, Kent

Man suspected of fatally shooting wife outside pub on Valentine's Day rang friend and said 'she's dead'

Carry On legend Julian Holloway dies aged 80

Carry On legend Julian Holloway dies aged 80 after 'brief illness' as tributes pour in

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned 'any appearance by armed forces under some other flag' in Ukraine would be 'completely unacceptable', in a dig at a peace plan floated by Keir Starmer.

Keir Starmer’s Ukraine peacekeeping plan ‘completely unacceptable’, Russia tells US in Saudi Arabia talks

Rita Lambourne, 58, was “fatally wounded” at her home in Bayencourt South, Bexhill

Man charged with axe murder of woman in own home