Arsenal report an allegation of racial abuse directed towards their substitutions at Leeds

Arsenal have reported an allegation of racial abuse towards their substitutes during their victory over Leeds earlier this evening.

The alleged incident took place in the 33rd minute of the Premier League match at Elland Road, with the visitors’ bench said to have heard the comment.

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the remark has been reported, and said it was a ‘single person’ who aimed the verbal volley towards his bench.

‘It was reported and the stadium manager will have to deal with that with the authorities,’ Arteta said after Arsenal’s 4-1 win. 

‘Very disappointed because we have done so much in football to try to avoid it, but it is a single person. I don’t think that merits that a full stadium pays the price.

‘It was a single incident and it has to be reported. It was reported and now the authorities will have to work with the clubs to understand what happened.’

After the incident, Arsenal defender Rob Holding was spotted leaving the bench during a brief break in play, and referee Andre Marriner was called to the touchline.

There, the official was involved in a conversation alongside the fourth official, Arteta and a representative on behalf of Leeds.

It is believed that Holding informed the group about the alleged racial abuse. 

Later, Marriner also appeared to tell Arsenal’s players not to celebrate near a section of the ground after Buyako Saka scored the third goal just before half-time. 

The Premier League have since confirmed that the allegation has been reported. 

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa was also asked about the abuse on Sky Sports, and said: ‘It’s incredible that you ask me this question, what can I answer you?

‘Of course I am against all acts of discrimination.’ 

Arsenal won the game 4-1, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a brace and Saka and Emile Smith Rowe also on target for the top four chasers.

More to follow.