FILE - Arsenal's Kai Havertz had his penalty saved during an FA Cup shootout against Manchester United.
Image: Glyn Kirk / AFP
The wife of Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has shared screenshots of "shocking" abuse she received on social media, including threats to the couple's unborn child, after the Gunners' FA Cup defeat by Manchester United.
Havertz missed a penalty in Arsenal's shootout loss at the Emirates on Sunday before Sophia Havertz - who is expecting her first child with the Germany international - reposted two messages she had received on Instagram.
Havertz also missed a host of chances to win it in normal time and the German was culpable again in the shootout as his effort was saved by United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, setting up the much-maligned United forward Joshua Zirkzee to stroke home the decisive kick.
Arsenal have reported the abuse to the police and are working with a specialist data firm to try to identify the culprits.
"For anyone to think it's okay to write something like this is so shocking to me. I hope you are so ashamed of yourself," Sophia Havertz wrote as she shared one of the direct messages to her half a million followers.
Turning to another highly abusive message, she added: "I'm not sure what to even say but please guys, be more respectful. We are better than this."
The United defeat was another painful result for Arsenal after Tuesday's 2-0 home defeat against Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final first leg and last weekend's damaging league draw at Brighton.
Arsenal face bitter rivals Tottenham on Wednesday night at home, hoping to get a win and reignite their season. The second-placed Gunners are currently seven points behind league leaders Liverpool.
Additional reporting by AFP
Related Topics: