Arnold Schwarzenegger will not press charges against man who kicked him in the back

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Arnold Schwarzenegger has said he will not press charges against the man who drop-kicked him in the back at an event in South Africa.

Footage of the two-footed lunge on the former Governor of California at a sporting event in Johannesburg was widely viewed over the weekend after it was first posted on social media on Saturday.

The 71-year-old told fans he was “moving on” after the viral video incident. The star also said he hoped the unidentified male attacker – handed over to police after being wrestled to the ground security guards – uses the incident as a “wake-up call”.

Mr Schwarzenegger tweeted: “A lot of you have asked, but I’m not pressing charges. I hope this was a wake-up call, and he gets his life on the right track.”

Describing the man as “crazed fan”, event organisers said security had “responded swiftly by apprehending the offender and handing him over to police.”

Wayne Price, organiser of the Arnold Classic Africa event, said he believed the incident “was carefully planned by the offender, as he is known to the police for orchestrating similar incidents in the past”.

Competition organisers also confirmed Mr Schwarzenegger was unharmed, in good spirits and would continue his schedule in South Africa as planned. “He views this as an unfortunate incident by a mischievous fan,” a statement read.

Mr Schwarzenegger shared video footage of the kick taken from a different angle, which showed he had remained of his feet, largely unfazed despite the blow.

He also referred to his attacker as “an idiot” who “wants to be famous”.

Making light of the kick on Sunday, the actor and former politician also posted video of two girls taking part in a karate session. “I’m so lucky none of those girls drop-kicked me yesterday.”

Arnold Classic Africa has become an annual event taking place in Johannesburg every May, featuring a range of sporting and fitness events including bodybuilding and combat sports.