Police have opened an investigation into malicious online abuse aimed at Arsenal forward Kai Havertz’s wife, Sophia, following his recent penalty miss in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.
Havertz, whose penalty miss contributed to Arsenal’s shootout loss on Sunday, has faced a wave of criticism after a series of underwhelming performances, including a disappointing display in their 2-0 loss to Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final.
In response to the hate directed at her husband, Sophia Havertz shared two abusive messages she had received on Instagram.
A police spokesman confirmed that officers were investigating the incident, telling Britain’s Press Association:
“Officers have received a report of malicious communications towards a Hertfordshire resident on Sunday 12 January. Enquiries are under way.”
On the eve of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Tottenham, manager Mikel Arteta expressed his outrage over the online abuse, highlighting the damaging effects of such behavior.
“It’s something that we really have to eradicate from the game, because it’s so cynical as well,” Arteta said. “The terrible consequences of it are far-reaching.”
Despite Havertz’s solid tally of 12 goals in 27 matches this season, his recent poor finishing – including the crucial miss in the shootout – has sparked renewed criticism of the German international, who joined Arsenal in 2023 after winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021.
Arteta, however, made it clear that there is no justification for the abuse.
“We can accept it and say ‘that’s our job’, but there are certain limits and the line has to be drawn. It cannot happen. That’s it.”
As investigations continue, the focus remains on the larger issue of online abuse in football, with Arteta and others calling for stronger measures to protect players and their families from harmful attacks.
