Arsenal: 4 negatives from 4-1 win over Leeds United

4. Racist Abuse Directed At Arsenal Players

It’s a disease. A poison that infects peoples’ minds.

As Nicolas Pepe and Nuno Tavares were warming up near the corner of the stadium on Saturday, racist abuse was directed at them from someone in the stands. Rob Holding approached the fourth official in the 33rd minute to inform them that he had heard racial abuse, and a note was made. Well done to Holding for speaking out in defence of his teammates.

The referee was made aware of the claim, and when Bukayo Saka celebrated his goal down near that end of the pitch the referee asked him and his teammates not to get too close to the supporters. It’s appalling that he felt he had to ask them to do so.

This is a Leeds United fanbase that sung from minute one to minute 93 in support of their team, despite the dreadful football they were presented with. And yet, one disgusting individual stood out.

It is devastating to have to speak about. So much effort has gone into trying to eradicate racism from the sport, so to hear the another case of such abuse come to light in the stadium is a heart-breaking reminder of the scale of the issue at hand.

It makes you sick to your stomach.