Anger at Katie McCabe’s move to Chelsea is forgivable – crossing line into abuse is not

Katie McCabe is unveiled as a Chelsea player. Her move has gone down badly among many Arsenal fans. Photograph: Harriet Lander/Chelsea FC/Getty Images

The red neon lights flicker in the dark for a moment, then the room is blue, and there is Katie McCabe, a grin on her face and a Chelsea shirt on, her controversial switch across London complete after 11 years with Arsenal.

The reaction has varied dramatically. At times it has been hilarious, with witty comments and memes abundant. There has been valid rage too, an intense rivalry having developed between the two sides as Chelsea swept up domestic honour after domestic honour and sought to eclipse Arsenal’s reputation as the most successful club in women’s football in England (in the modern era at least).