Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reveals threats to his family on social media

November 8, 2020 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts [REUTERS]

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has become the latest person within football to speak out against threats he has received on social media.

The Gunners boss, briefing the media ahead of his side's clash against Leeds at the Emirates on Sunday, repeated calls for companies to take stronger action against those using their websites as vessels for abuse.

It comes after a spate of racist abuse directed at footballers over the last few weeks, while Newcastle boss Steve Bruce and referee Mike Dean said they had received death threats.

"I'd prefer not to [speak about it] but I think we're all exposed to that in this industry," Arteta said.

"That's why I'd prefer not to read [social media] because it would affect me personally much more the moment that somebody wants to touch my family.

"Because it happened, the club was aware of it and we tried to do something about it. That's it. We have to live with it.

"It's not going to stop tomorrow, we know that, but medium or long-term can we do something about it? That's what I am pushing for.

"We are lucky enough as well that the club is very supportive. We do what we have to do when those things happen.

"My only purpose is just, it's not going to happen tomorrow, but can we do something about it in the medium to long term to protect the people that are involved in the game, and maybe in other industries it happens in the same way."