Teenager, 17, arrested over online abuse of Havertz

A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of "malicious communications" after allegedly sending abusive messages online to Arsenal forward Kai Havertz and his wife. The 17-year-old boy, from St Albans, has been bailed while investigations continue, according to Hertfordshire Police.

Havertz's wife, Sophia, posted two direct messages she received on Instagram earlier this month, following Arsenal's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, one of which contained threats towards the couple's unborn child. The 25-year-old German forward missed a late chance to win the game in normal time, and then had his penalty saved by Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir in the shootout, which United won 5-3 after a 1-1 draw.

The couple have been together since 2018 and married last year. Sophia announced she was pregnant in November. In response to the messages, Sophia wrote that the perpetrators should be "ashamed."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that online abuse of players has "terrible consequences" and needs to be "eradicated from the game."