The wife of Arsenal striker Kai Havertz, Sophia, has revealed disturbing social media abuse, including threats directed at their unborn child, following Arsenal’s FA Cup loss to Manchester United on Sunday.
Havertz, 25, missed a crucial opportunity to secure victory during regular time and later saw his penalty saved by United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir in the shootout.
United ultimately triumphed 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
In response to the abuse, Sophia shared screenshots of two direct messages she received on Instagram, expressing her shock and disappointment.
“For anyone to think it’s okay to write something like this is so shocking to me. I hope you are so ashamed of yourself,” she wrote as she shared one of the direct messages.
On another she added: “I’m not sure what to even say but please guys, be more respectful. We are better than this.”
Arsenal has reported the incident to the police and is collaborating with a specialist data firm to identify the individuals responsible. BBC Sport has reached out to the Metropolitan Police for a statement.
Kai and Sophia, who have been together since 2018 and married last year, announced in November that they are expecting their first child.