Arsenal are investigating social media posts sent to Kai Havertz’s wife amid the club’s third-round exit to Manchester United in the FA Cup.
Havertz missed a penalty in Arsenal’s shootout defeat at the Emirates before his partner, Sophia – who is expecting her first child with the Germany international – reposted two abhorrent messages she had received on Instagram. She described one message as “shocking” and urged her half-a-million followers to be “more respectful”.
The PA news agency understands data technology company Signify has been tasked by Arsenal to determine the identity of the abusers. The investigation could then enable the club to report the perpetrators to the police and the accounts will also be flagged up to Instagram.
It is understood Instagram has removed the abusive content for violating its policies.
PA has contacted the Metropolitan Police for comment.
Havertz is set to be back in the spotlight on Wednesday when Arsenal host north London rivals Tottenham at the Emirates.
Prior to his penalty miss, the 25-year-old also failed to convert two good chances to settle the tie.
He headed straight down the tunnel after Joshua Zirkzee struck the winning penalty as holders United booked their place in the fourth round and a meeting with Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester.
Havertz had also missed a big chance in the 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg defeat to Newcastle in midweek but he retains the backing of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
Asked what he will say to Havertz – who has scored 12 goals from 27 appearances so far this season – to help his player rediscover his best form, Arteta said: “To him, and to all of them, that I love them. That we all love them, individually, and as a team, they are a joy.
“What this team produces every three days is incredible, regardless of what happens. And I’m not going to lose sight of that because of our results. We didn’t deserve these two results (against United and Newcastle).
“What can we do better? Let’s try to do it, very difficult to cheat, it’s an emotional part, and it’s something related to confidence as well.”
Arsenal registered 49 shots across the two home cup setbacks, with a combined xG of 6.44. However, they managed only one goal.
Gabriel Jesus also faces a significant spell on the sidelines with a knee injury which forced him off on a stretcher in the first period.
Jesus’ injury, coupled with Arsenal’s misfiring form in front of goal, provides fresh impetus to the argument that the Gunners must sign a striker this month.
But Arteta continued: “I understand that, guys, but I cannot love my players more, and I’m very much focused on the ones that we have to perform at the highest level. The rest is not in my hands.”
Arsenal were thwarted by an inspired Altay Bayindir, who was making just his fifth appearance for United following his 2023 move from Fenerbahce.
Goalkeeper Bayindir was criticised for his performance in United’s Carabao Cup exit against Tottenham last month but he responded with a string of fine saves – denying Martin Odegaard from the spot in normal time, and then saving Havertz’s penalty in the shootout.
United boss Ruben Amorim hailed Bayindir a “hero” following his exploits.
Turkey international Bayindir said: “You have to be ready every minute and every second because if you are a Manchester United player, you have to be ready always.
“I am working every day. I am patient. I just want to help this great team. I want to make everyone happy for this great club.”
