A Tottenham Hotspur fan admitted to assaulting Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale following the North London Derby in January. 35-year-old Joseph Watts pleaded guilty to the offense during a court appearance on Friday. As punishment, Watts cannot attend soccer matches for four years. He also has been ordered 150 hours of community service and has to pay a $120 fine directly to Ramsdale.

Watts caught on camera assaulting the Arsenal keeper

The incident occurred after the Gunners recorded a 2-0 victory over bitter rivals Spurs in January. Ramsdale, while being pushed by Spurs forward Richarlison, went to collect a water bottle near his goal. As the keeper reached the bottle, Watts kicked Ramsdale in the back. The fan then ran back up the stands inside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in attempts to flee.

Presiding deputy district judge A. King scolded Watts during the sentencing, but did claim that the assault was minor. “When individuals lose self-control it can have a ripple effect. In this case there could have been a significant risk of serious public order,” said the judge.

“It has had some psychological effect and he (Ramsdale) will have this in the back of his 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 threw four coins onto the pitch as well.

Aaron Ramsdale issues court statement on Tottenham fan

The Arsenal and England international keeper also issued a statement on the ordeal. Ramsdale claimed that his back felt “heavy” after the kick, but there were no visible 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,” said Ramsdale.

It remains to be seen if Spurs will issue a more lengthy ban on the fan. After the incident, the north London club claimed that they would “take the strongest possible action, including an immediate ban from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.”

PHOTO: IMAGO / Propaganda Photo