Elham Asaad Buaras
Arsenal has been rocked by a series of hate-related scandals after a fan was filmed hurling Islamophobic slurs at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters during the Champions League semi-final on May 7. The abuse—captured in a viral video—was followed by separate reports of racist gestures by Arsenal fans during the first-leg fixture, sparking outrage and renewed calls for tougher action against discrimination in football.
The 34-second clip from the second leg in Paris shows a visibly enraged man wearing a flat cap aggressively pointing at PSG fans while shouting, “f***ing Muslim terrorists” in an expletive-laden tirade laced with racist and homophobic slurs. The man ends the rant by pounding his chest in apparent defiance. It is unclear exactly when the incident occurred during the match.
Social media users swiftly condemned the abuse. The original poster of the video wrote, “I’m in contact with the victim. She’s going to file a complaint. The stewards apparently ignored her warnings.” Arsenal has not yet publicly responded, although Mail Sport has contacted the club for comment.
The Islamophobic abuse overshadowed an otherwise tense and thrilling contest, as Mikel Arteta’s side lost 2–1 on the night and 3–1 on aggregate, crashing out of the competition.
The incident followed another act of racism involving Arsenal fans during the first leg on May 1 at the Emirates Stadium. PSG staff recorded fans making monkey noises and racist gestures at their players as they boarded the team bus. That footage, obtained by RMC Sport, was not shared publicly but has drawn strong condemnation.
In response, Arsenal issued a statement to The Mirror, “We strongly condemn all forms of racism and discrimination. We are working to identify the individuals in the video, and we will take the strongest possible action.”
PSG is working with anti-racism organisation SOS Racisme to initiate civil legal proceedings. A spokesperson told Le Parisien the group will collaborate with Arsenal to identify those involved.
Unfortunately, these are not isolated incidents for the club’s supporters. Arsenal fans have repeatedly come under scrutiny in recent years for hate-related abuse. In 2023, Brentford striker and England international Ivan Toney was targeted with racist messages on social media following a match against Arsenal, prompting police investigations and platform bans.
In 2019, a Snapchat video showing an Arsenal supporter using racial slurs against Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly went viral. The club subsequently banned the individual. Even former striker Emmanuel Adebayor was the subject of racist chants after his transfer to Manchester City, famously responding by celebrating in front of Arsenal fans after scoring.
Arsenal players themselves have also been victims. Bukayo Saka was subjected to a torrent of racist abuse after missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 final, forcing him to step away from social media. In 2021, Leeds United were investigated for allegedly directing racist chants at the Arsenal bench during a Premier League match.
Racism remains a persistent problem across European football. In September 2024, UEFA sanctioned Barcelona by banning away fans from one fixture after racist abuse directed at Monaco players. Earlier this season, PSG’s quarter-final against Aston Villa saw three arrests: two for racist chanting and one for a public order offence.
Clubs whose supporters engage in racist behaviour face disciplinary action, ranging from fines and partial stadium closures to away fan bans. Arsenal could now face sanctions from UEFA or the Football Association, depending on the investigation’s outcome.
The string of hate-fuelled incidents involving Arsenal fans is once again highlighting the urgent need for football authorities to take decisive and consistent action against racism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hate in the game.
Photo: An Arsenal fan was filmed directing a shocking tirade at PSG supporters, calling them “Muslim terrorists” and using homophobic slurs. (Credit: X/@IIiesDjt)
