Arsenal Hand Out 17 Bans For Abusive Behaviour During 2024/25 Season

Arsenal have confirmed that 17 supporters were issued bans last season for abusive and discriminatory conduct, continuing a downward trend in sanctions over recent years.

The figure marks a decrease from 31 bans during the 2022/23 campaign and 24 in 2023/24. Of the most recent cases, 11 stemmed from incidents inside stadiums and six from online abuse. All individuals have been barred from attending Arsenal matches, home or away, for periods ranging from one to three years.

The club is also cooperating with the Metropolitan Police in nine separate investigations, with those supporters suspended until the cases are concluded.

Breakdown of offences

The 11 in-stadium offences were recorded as:

• Three cases of assault
• Three involving sexual language or harassment
• Two incidents of racism
• Two public order offences
• One case of antisocial behaviour

The six online offences included:

• Three death threats
• Two incidents of homophobia
• One case of abuse

Tackling online abuse

Arsenal continue to work with data science specialists Signify Group, whose Threat Matrix service monitors social media platforms for targeted abuse. Last season, the club flagged around 4,500 abusive posts aimed at players and staff, a slight decrease on the previous year.

From those identified, six individuals received one- or three-year bans, while one case led to action from law enforcement.

Club response

Managing director Richard Garlick reiterated the club’s zero-tolerance approach, saying:

“Abusive and discriminatory behaviour has no place at our club. Whilst we know that it often comes from a small minority, that will not stop us from acting against abusers who are identified as Arsenal season ticket holders or members and escalating these incidents to law enforcement where appropriate."

“We will continue to take swift and decisive action to tackle abuse of any kind as we continue to build a home where everyone feels safe and welcome.”

Education and inclusion

Alongside sanctions, Arsenal offer banned individuals the chance to reduce the length of their punishment by taking part in a one-to-one educational programme run by Kick It Out. Participants are asked to reflect on the impact of their behaviour and show a willingness to change.

The club also runs inclusion workshops and community events, designed to raise awareness around abuse and discrimination, while continuing to highlight diversity and celebrate its supporter base.

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