Mikel Arteta has urged football to prioritise changing the culture that surrounds the game and eradicate “hatred”, saying: “We don’t want it, we don’t need it, it can only damage our sport, so let’s get it out.”
Arteta’s plea was made after police opened an investigation regarding the threats directed at the referee Michael Oliver, whose home was placed under police guard after he sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly for a tackle on Matt Doherty at Wolves on Saturday. The decision was reviewed and upheld by the video assistant referee, Darren England, but Arsenal appealed and the red card was overturned on Tuesday, within hours of the evidence being presented to the Football Association.
