UNFORTUNATE EVENT

Arsenal probe incident of homophobic abuse during Brighton tie

A similar incident marred a match between the same sides at Brighton's AMEX Stadium in October.

In Summary

•Arsenal said two supporters were removed from the stadium and that the club had "stepped up" stewarding operations in the area where the abuse was reported.

•"Arsenal should 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,"—Arsenal 

Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli celebrates scoring a goal that was disallowed after a VAR review
Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli celebrates scoring a goal that was disallowed after a VAR review
Image: REUTERS

 Arsenal are investigating an incident of homophobic abuse during Saturday's Premier League home defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion, the club said in a statement.

Arsenal said two supporters were removed from the stadium and that the club had "stepped up" stewarding operations in the area where the abuse was reported.

"Arsenal should 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," Arsenal said on Wednesday.

"The incidents that were reported are now being investigated by the club, and we will take the strongest action possible against perpetrators who can be identified."

A similar incident marred a match between the same sides at Brighton's AMEX Stadium in October. An Arsenal supporter was issued a three-year banning order following a trial at Brighton Magistrates Court earlier this month. The supporter was also banned indefinitely from Brighton's stadium.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur will play against a K League select in a pre-season friendly in Seoul in July, the club said on Wednesday.

Spurs enjoy a massive following in South Korea thanks mainly to national team captain Son Heung-min. Cho So-Hyun, who captains the South Korean women's side, also plays for the London club.

Spurs said the match will take place at Seoul World Cup Stadium on July 13. It will be their third visit to the country.

Asia and Australia were regular stops for major European clubs before the COVID-19 pandemic, with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea attracting huge crowds for lucrative friendlies.