A Tottenham Hotspur fan has admitted to assaulting Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after the north London derby in January. Joseph Watts, 35, pleaded guilty to the offense during a court appearance on Friday. As punishment, Watts will not be able to attend football games for four years. He is also ordered 150 hours of community service and has to pay a $120 fine directly to Ramsdale.
Watts caught on camera assaulting Arsenal goalkeeper
The incident occurred after the Gunners posted a 2-0 victory over bitter rivals Spurs in January. Ramsdale, while being pushed by Spurs forward Richarlison, went to pick up a bottle of water near his goal. As the goalie reached for the bottle, Watts kicked Ramsdale in the back. The fan then ran into the stands inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in an attempt to flee.
Chief Deputy District Judge A. King scolded Watts during sentencing, but claimed the assault was minor. “When people lose self-control, it can have a ripple effect. In this case there could have been a significant risk of serious public order,” the judge said.
“It has had some psychological effect and he (Ramsdale) will have this in mind when he goes to work in the future.”
Watts also admitted to being drunk during the match. He claimed that he had six pints and also tossed four coins onto the field.
Aaron Ramsdale issues court statement on Tottenham fan
The Arsenal and England international goalkeeper also released a statement about the ordeal. Ramsdale claimed that his back felt “heavy” after the kick, but there were no visible marks. “I’ve never had someone come onto the field and kick me. I don’t think it’s acceptable to be mugged at work,” Ramsdale said.
Whether the Spurs will issue a longer ban on the fan remains to be seen. After the incident, the north London club stated that they would “take the strongest possible action, including an immediate ban from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.”
PHOTO: IMAGO / Propaganda Photo
