Arsenal defender Rob Holding has been praised by campaign group Kick It Out for reporting the alleged racist abuse of team-mates during his side’s victory at Leeds in the Premier League on Saturday.
Referee Andre Marriner brought proceedings to a temporary halt during the first-half in order to speak with the fourth official after Holding brought the matter to their attention.
The Football Association has launched an investigation, which is understood to be supported by the Premier League.
In a statement, campaign group Kick It Out said: “We are concerned by reports of racism directed at Arsenal players at Elland Road last night.
“We send our solidarity and support to those impacted by it, but we also commend Rob Holding for so swiftly reporting it to officials.
“His actions are a great example of taking a stand and being an ally to his team-mates.
“We await the outcome of the investigation by Leeds and the relevant authorities, and will support, however we can, efforts to hold those potentially responsible to account.”
Mikel Arteta said after the match that some unnamed players on his bench had been targeted by a fan and that the incident had been reported to the stadium manager at Elland Road.
“Yes, unfortunately I can confirm that,” he said. “It was reported to the stadium manager. The authorities will deal with that.
“The players that were sitting on the bench. One of those heard those comments. I don’t know exactly (which player) it was, that’s why they will have to be interviewed by the authorities.”
Leeds condemned the abuse in a statement which also said that one arrest had been made.
The statement reads: “Leeds can confirm that an investigation into claims of racism during the first half of our game with Arsenal today is under way, and that one arrest has been made in connection to the allegation.
“Racism will not be tolerated at Leeds and any supporter found to be using racist language will be subject to a lifetime ban for all Leeds games.”
Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 16th minute, before the Brazilian grabbed his second of the game 12 minutes later.
Arsenal then went three goals ahead when Bukayo Saka got himself on the scoresheet minutes before the half-time interval.
Leeds came back fighting after the break and got themselves a goal back courtesy of Raphinha’s 75th minute penalty, but it was too little too late.
And to make matters worse, substitute Emile Smith Rowe added a fourth for Arsenal shortly before the end.
The result leaves Arsenal occupying the final Champions League place in fourth, with a four point gap between them and fifth placed West Ham.
The Gunners will welcome Sunderland to the Emirates in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, before travelling to Carrow Road to face Norwich on Boxing Day.
