Man charged with attack on Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale

A 35 year-old man from Hackney, London, has been charged after he assaulted Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in the aftermath of The Gunners’ 0-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 15 January.

He is accused of assault by beating, going onto an area adjacent to the playing area and throwing a missile onto a playing area, said the Metropolitan Police in a statement.

After the match, Ramsdale said “the Spurs fans were giving me some (abuse) throughout the second half, I gave a bit back which, to the few people I did do it to, was probably well greeted, sportsmanship-like.”

The English Football Association subsequently released a statement saying “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.”

Watts is due to appear in court on 17 February.