Football fan who attacked Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale ‘had drunk six pints’
Ramsdale, 24, was kicked in the back by a spectator shortly after the Gunners beat Tottenham 2-0 on January 15.
The incident took place after a Premier League match at the end of the north London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Joseph Watts, 35, has pleaded guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, February 17) to assault by beating.
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He also pleaded guilty to going onto an area adjacent to the playing area and throwing a missile onto a football playing area.
Aaron had been celebrating the victory and collecting his belongings from behind the goal when he was attacked, the court heard.
Watts, a Tottenham supporter, ran down the stairs from where he was sitting, climbed over a barrier and onto an advertising banner.
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He then kicked Aaron, who had his back to him, and ran back into the stands.
Ramsdale said he saw a masseuse because his back felt “heavy”, in a victim statement read to the court, but there were no marks.
He continued: “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.”
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The England international also said he was wary of similar incidents happening in the future.
Watts, who admitted being drunk, having had six pints, also threw four coins towards the pitch.
Watts appeared in person to confirm his name, age and address before entering the pleas.
He is said to be of good previous character.
The hearing has been adjourned until later today.
Reporting by PA.
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