ARSENAL have vowed to work with the police and relevant authorities after Nicolas Pepe and Ezgjan Alioski were both victims of disgraceful racist abuse online.
The pair had clashed in the match between Leeds and Arsenal’s main flashpoint, when Pepe, 25, was red carded for a headbutt on Alioski, 28.
And a number of idiotic fans turned to disgusting abuse while venting their frustrations.
An Arsenal statement on the matter read: “We utterly condemn the vile abuse directed at Nicolas Pepe and Ezgjan Alioski on social media following our match against Leeds United.
“This is completely unacceptable and we will be working with the police and authorities to do everything we can to trace and prosecute the culprits.”
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Leeds also released a statement on the matter.
It read: “The vile abuse directed at Ezgjan Alioski and Nicolas Pepe on social media after yesterday’s Premier League game with Arsenal will not be tolerated by Leeds United.
“We will work closely with the police and the footballing authorities to ensure those responsible are identified and punished.”
Pepe was shown the red card by referee Anthony Taylor five minutes into the second half at Elland Road.
The Gunners went on to hold firm, however, securing a 0-0 draw.
Sadly it didn’t take long for the racist trolls to come out in force.
Shaun Wright-Phillips, son of Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who himself was subject of awful online abuse in the summer, posted a screenshot featuring a number of vile tweets about Pepe, using horrific racial slurs.
Most came from anonymous accounts with footballers or cartoons as profile pictures.
