Police have arrested a teenage boy in connection with social media abuse sent to Arsenal forward Kai Havertz’s pregnant wife. Sophia Havertz, who is expecting her first child with the Germany international, reposted two messages she had received on Instagram after Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat against Manchester United on 15 January.
Havertz missed the decisive spot-kick in the penalty shootout which cemented his side’s third-round exit. Arsenal tasked the data technology company Signify with determining the identity of the abusers. The police then launched an investigation and confirmed on Tuesday an individual had been detained.
A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “A 17-year-old boy from St Albans has been arrested on suspicion of malicious communications. He has been bailed while enquiries continue.”
Last week Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, warned of “terrible consequences” if action were not taken.
Havertz, who scored in the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday to take his tally for the season to 13, is expected to lead the line again when Arsenal host Dinamo Zagreb in their penultimate Champions League group game on Wednesday.
