Arsenal have released the following statement: 

We can confirm that 24 supporters were banned for abusive and discriminatory behaviour during the 2023-24 season.

This includes 21 for abuse in the stadium, as well as three members for online abuse.??

The supporters have each been handed bans of at least one year, with 14 handed three-year bans, meaning they cannot attend any Arsenal match home or away during that period.?? The bans are broken down as per the following offences:?? 

In-stadium offences? 

Assault - 10? 

Tragedy chanting - 5?? 

Offensive gestures - 2? 

Racism - 2? 

Homophobia - 1? 

Sexual assault - 1?  

Online offences? 

Racism – 1? 

Antisemitism – 1? 

Sending abusive messages – 1? 

We continue to work with data science company Signify Group, using its specialist Threat Matrix service to support our efforts in combatting targeted online abuse.?? 

Threat Matrix was activated to monitor social media channels to support the club in detecting and reporting content targeting Arsenal’s player and coaching family. We work closely with Signify to identify and unmask abusive accounts, and this season, two members were identified using the technology and banned for online abuse. 

Whilst online abuse detected amongst our members has declined 90% on the 2022-23 season, online abuse in general remains an issue. We have seen a 24% increase in online abuse towards our player and coaching family in the 2023-24 season.?? 

Where abuse is detected, we work with social media companies and law enforcement to ensure the appropriate action is taken.?? 

Managing Director, Richard Garlick, said:?? “Abuse and discrimination will not be tolerated.  We will continue to take strong action alongside our partners such as the Met Police against this abhorrent behaviour.

“We know it’s a small minority, but that won’t stop us from taking action against abusers who are identified as Arsenal season ticket holders or members, and escalating to the police where appropriate.? 

“Our aim is to create an environment at Arsenal where everybody feels welcome.  We hope continued action serves as a deterrent for those using abusive, threatening, and discriminatory language.”?