ARSENAL are looking into an accusation of racist abuse towards linesman Akil Howson during the 4-1 Premier League win over Aston Villa.
The club was alerted by a supporter who claimed they heard offensive language from another fan being aimed at the official during the December 30 fixture at the Emirates.
In August 2023, Howson became the first black official in the Premier League for 15 years, ending a long wait since Uriah Rennie’s departure in 2008.
Howson was asked about the alleged incident during the Arsenal game but insisted he did not hear anything and that he did not want to take the matter any further.
Nevertheless, Arsenal have decided it is important to still to make enquiries over the allegations to see if they can identify the individual.
Only this week, the north London club turned off Instagram comments on a video featuring new women’s signing Smilla Holmberg.
Holmberg is a big capture for Arsenal, having already clocked up 96 games at Hammarby while winning two cups and the league title.
However, the Swedish international was subjected to sexist abuse in a video posted on Instagram.
Holmberg said: “Hey Gooners. I’m at the Emirates and I can’t wait to get started. Come on you Gunners.”
The clip attracted some sexist remarks from a handful of supporters.
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The Gunners eventually turned off the comments section, preventing other fans from greeting Holmberg to the club.
Arsenal work with data science company Signify Group, using its specialist Threat Matrix service to support their efforts in combating targeted online abuse.
They have previously verified thousands of posts as abusive towards Arsenal’s players and staff and have given some abusers one-year or three-year bans.
A total of 17 supporters were banned for abusive and discriminatory behaviour during the 2024/25 season. This included 11 for abuse in the stadium as well as six members for online abuse.
At the start of the season, Arsenal chief executive Richard Garlick, said: “Abusive and discriminatory behaviour has no place at our club. Whilst we know that it often comes from a small minority, that will not stop us from acting against abusers who are identified as Arsenal season ticket holders or members and escalating these incidents to law enforcement where appropriate.
“We will continue to take swift and decisive action to tackle abuse of any kind as we continue to build a home where everyone feels safe and welcome.”
RED-Y TO GO
ARSENAL are planning to turn the Emirates into a sea of red and white for tonight’s showdown with Liverpool.
The club have worked with fans to decide what to do ahead of the game – which could see the Gunners go eight points clear at the top of the Prem.
Just like when Real Madrid came to town last season in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, there will be a huge red and white display before tonight’s game.
Supporters will find a red or white bag on their seat to be held up when the teams come out of the tunnel.
Fans are encouraged to take the bag away and bring it back with goods to donate to Islington Foodbank at Arsenal’s next home game – which is against Manchester United on January 25.
The bags are recyclable and compostable, meaning fans could also use them to plant something.
ITALIAN JOB
RICCARDO CALAFIORI is currently out of action due to a calf injury.
But the Italian is keeping himself busy by combining his rehab with Portuguese lessons.
Calafiori, 23, already speaks English, Italian and Spanish – but is now trying his hand at Portuguese, too.
The defender started lessons last month and doing so will surely go down well with centre-back Gabriel.
Gabriel, who plays alongside Calafiori in Arsenal’s defence, is a Portuguese speaker as he is from Brazil.
SunSport this week revealed Calafiori is a fan of chess – having splashed out £138 on a limited edition Gunners-themed set.
Calafiori has not played since pulling out of Arsenal’s game with Brighton on December 27 in the warm-up.
But Mikel Arteta said earlier this week the Italian is progressing well and hopes to be back in action soon.
SING SONG
ARSENAL supporters seem to love a trip to the Vitality Stadium – which has become the birthplace for new songs among the fanbase.
Three years ago, Gunners fans sang about William Saliba to ‘Tequila’ by The Champs for the first time.
A year later, Kai Havertz’s chant to ‘Waka Waka’ by Shakira was born after the German scored his first goal for Arsenal.
Last weekend, another new song was created as Arsenal fans sang Declan Rice’s name to the tune of ‘That’s the Way (I Like It)’ by KC and The Sunshine Band.
Gunners fans have historically chanted about how they got Rice half price from West Ham.
But now they are singing: “Declan Rice in red and white, I like it!”
