Arsenal fans are strapped in and ready for the journey that will unfold over the 2024/25 campaign.
On Saturday, Arsenal kick off their 2024/25 calendar with a battle against Wolves at the Emirates Stadium.
The Premier League season will be another chance for the Gunners to close the gap on Manchester City, having fallen short to Pep Guardiola’s side for two consecutive years.
While many will be fuelled with excitement ahead of the return of competitive action in North London, Arsenal have fired a firm warning to supporters ahead of the opening day.
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Arsenal ban 24 supporters as anti-discrimination film launches
Ahead of the new season, Arsenal have grounded excitement momentarily to warn supporters of the club’s stance on discriminative behaviour.
Arsenal released a statement to share that 24 fans had received bans for abusive behaviour during the 2023/24 campaign.
The statement explained that the supporters had each been dealt a ban of ‘at least one year’, with 14 fans handed three-year bans that prevents them from attending a home or an away match in that period.
To follow up on the decision to ban those that were found to be participating in abusive behaviour Arsenal released a short film to partner their anti-discrimination policy.
The film featured vast diversity and included players and supporters, with the club portraying the message that all are welcome and “we are all united by our unconditional love for Arsenal”.
Zero tolerance for abusive behaviour made clear at Arsenal
Arsenal have always been a club who pride themselves on diversity and inclusion, making the crackdown on discriminatory behaviour abundantly clear to fans ahead of the new season.
Out of the 24 offences, three came from online abuse, as Arsenal explained the tools they are using to limit the misuse of social media.
Data science company Signify Group are used by Arsenal to target online abuse and inappropriate and abusive behaviour.
Sadly, the club communicated that there was a 24% increase of online abuse towards players and coaching staff over the 2023/24 season, which makes for difficult reading.
With the help of external companies, Arsenal have made it critically clear that there is a zero tolerance towards abusive behaviour both online and in the stands, with the 2023/24 bans reinforcing such stance.
