Arsenal have released a statement condemning ‘disturbing’ and ‘grossly offensive’ incidents of anti-semitism during the most recent North London derby with Tottenham.
The Gunners secured a dominant 2-0 victory against their fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday - a win that saw them extend their lead at the top of the table to eight points over Manchester City. There were mass celebrations from the Arsenal supporters at the London Stadium following the full-time whistle.
Despite that, Arsenal have confirmed that there were shocking incidents of anti-semitism towards opposition supporters with an investigation scheduled to get underway. A club statement read: “We have been made aware of two disturbing incidents over the weekend involving anti-semitism which are now under investigation.
“There was an incident at the North London derby on Sunday involving Arsenal supporters in which one of our fans overheard grossly offensive anti-semitic statements made by another Arsenal fan. On the same afternoon, we were appalled to hear of an incident at The Cally pub in Islington, involving other anti-semitic chants.
“We recognise the impact this behaviour has on our many Jewish supporters and others and condemn the use of language of this nature, which has no place in our game or society. Arsenal must be a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, and we want to be clear that any kind of discriminatory abuse is not welcome at our club.
“We will not stand for this kind of behaviour and will take strong action against any supporters who we establish are responsible for such acts. Anyone identified will receive a lengthy club ban and their details will be passed to the police to commence legal proceedings.”
The incidents of anti-semitism were not the only unsavoury events to have taken place during the most recent North London Derby. Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was kicked by a supporter following the full-time whistle after he went to collect his water bottle from behind the goal, the individual having now been charged.
A statement from the Metropolitan police read: “A man has been charged with assaulting an Arsenal player after a match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, 15 January. Joseph Watts, 35 (23.06.87) of Hackney was charged on Tuesday, 17 January with assault by beating, going onto an area adjacent to playing area and throwing a missile onto a football playing area, both contrary to the Football (Offences) Act 1991.
“He is due to appear at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 17 February. The Met's Football Investigations Team were assisted in their enquiries by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.”
Arsenal are back in action this weekend as they take on in-form Manchester United. North London rivals Tottenham also face a tough-looking task as they take on Pep Guardiola's Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
