A 17-year-old boy from St Albans has been arrested on suspicion of “malicious communications” following online abuse directed at Arsenal striker Kai Havertz and his wife, Sophia.
Hertfordshire Police confirmed the teenager has been released on bail while investigations continue.
The incident came after Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United earlier this month, during which Havertz, 25, missed a decisive chance in regular time and had his penalty saved in the shootout.
United ultimately triumphed 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Sophia shared two threatening messages on her Instagram story, one of which included a disturbing comment about the couple’s unborn child.
She responded to the abuse, saying the sender should feel “ashamed” of their actions. Sophia and Havertz, who have been together since 2018 and married last year, announced in November that they are expecting their first child.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta condemned the incident, calling for the eradication of online abuse in football, citing its “terrible consequences” for players and their families.