Leeds fan arrested for alleged racist abuse towards Arsenal bench as Gunners warned not to celebrate Bukayo Saka’s goal
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POLICE have arrested a Leeds United fan after vile racist abuse was allegedly targeted at Arsenal's subs bench.
Gunners substitute Rob Holding alerted fourth official John Brooks just after the half-hour mark of their 4-1 victory at Elland Road.
West Yorkshire Police have confirmed that they made one arrest in connection with the incident which was reported by the North London club.
Officers were seen speaking to Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe, who was on the bench at the time of the alleged abuse, after the final whistle.
In a statement Leeds United said: “Racism will not be tolerated at Leeds United and any supporter found to be using racist language will be subject to a life time ban for all Leeds United games.
“We can confirm that an investigation into claims of racism during the first half of our game with Arsenal today are underway and that one arrest has been made in connection to the allegation.”
The alleged abuse is understood to have been aimed toward Nuno Tavares and Nicolas Pépé as they warmed up during the first half.
Play briefly paused while the match officials were informed of the incidents.
Gabriel Martinelli also reportedly received abuse as well as having missiles thrown at him after bagging Arsenal’s first two goals.
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And when Bukayo Saka got the third, Andre Marriner blew his whistle and told Arsenal players to celebrate away from the Leeds supporters to avoid any further incidents.
Speaking after the game, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he does not believe that Leeds should be punished because of a “single person”.
He said: “It was reported to the stadium manager and the authorities will deal with it.
“I’m very disappointed because we have done so much in football to try to avoid this.
“It is a single person. I don’t think that merits a full stadium pays the price.
"Now the authorities will have to work with the club to understand what happened.
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“One of the players sat on the bench heard these comments — but I don’t know who it was directed at. That’s why they will be interviewed.”
When asked about the abuse on Sky Sports, Marcelo Bielsa said: "It's incredible that you ask me this question, what can I answer you?
"Of course I am against all acts of discrimination."
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Tempers were boiling over inside Elland Road with Bielsa's Covid and injury-hit side conceding 11 shots on target in the first half - the most since Opta records began.
Their four goals conceded made it ELEVEN this week, after Tuesday's 7-0 loss to Man City, as Leeds slip closer to the relegation zone.
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