Man charged with assaulting Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale in North London derby

A 35-year-old man has been charged with assault after Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was kicked in the back at the end of Sunday's North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

After kissing the Arsenal badge in front of the Tottenham fans and having a brief confrontation with Richarlison, the England shot-stopper made his way behind the goal to collect his belongings at full time.

When Ramsdale turned his back, a fan who had made his way onto the advertising boards kicked the 24-year-old before quickly scampering away back up the stands.

Ramsdale and Granit Xhaka were both held back from chasing after the man, who had covered his face with a scarf, but new footage released on Tuesday clearly showed the supporter's face as he sat back down and removed his covering before leaving the stadium.

A statement from the Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 35-year-old has been charged in connection with the incident, as well as throwing a missile onto the field, saying: "A man has been charged with assaulting an Arsenal player after a match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday January 15.

"Joseph Watts, 35 of Hackney was charged on Tuesday January 17 with assault by beating, going onto an area adjacent to playing area and throwing a missile onto a football playing area, both contrary to the Football (Offences) Act 1991.

"He is due to appear at Highbury Magistrates' Court on Friday 17 February. The Met's Football Investigations Team were assisted in their enquiries by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club."

Tottenham condemned the "appalling" incident at the time of the attack and insisted that any guilty party would be subject to a ban from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Hugo Lloris's own goal and Martin Odegaard's strike gave Arsenal a 2-0 win over their North London rivals, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League table over Manchester City to eight points.