The Arsenal manager has called for greater action to eradicate online abuse after Kai Havertz and his family were recently targeted.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken out against the “shocking” social media abuse directed at Kai Havertz and his pregnant wife following the club's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.
The Spaniard has called for greater responsibility and action to eradicate online abuse from football.
Havertz's wife, Sophia, shared screenshots of abusive messages she received on Instagram, including threats towards her and her unborn child.
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Arteta condemned the abuse, describing it as "incredible" and highlighting the need to address the issue due to its potential consequences.
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What Arteta said
The Arsenal manager emphasised the importance of perspective and the role of everyone involved in football, including the media, in shaping the narrative around players.
He stressed the need for greater support for players, particularly during difficult periods, and highlighted the positive impact this can have on their performance and well-being.
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“It’s incredible, honestly. We really have to do something about it, because accepting that and hiding this has terrible consequences,” said the Arsenal boss. “It’s something we have to eradicate from the game because it’s so cynical and dependent on the result of an action.
“There is no other industry like this. When we played Ipswich on December 27, we win 1-0, and Havertz scores. The whole stadium after that is singing the ‘Waka, Waka’ (his chant). That was 20 days ago. Where is the perspective?
“We are all responsible. You guys (the media) are responsible, everybody is responsible for the narrative and how we talk. We cannot look somewhere else.
“That’s a really serious matter. It affects me. It affects him and everybody that is in the industry. We can accept it and say that’s our job, but there are certain limits and the line has to be drawn.”
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Arteta also praised Arsenal's partnership with data science company Signify, which helps the club identify and take action against online abuse.
He called for greater use of technology to prevent such behaviour and protect players, officials and fans from online hate and discrimination.
What next for Arsenal?
The Gunners take on Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby on Wednesday, keen to return to winning ways in the Premier League after consecutive cup disappointments against Newcastle United and Manchester United.
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