Yahoo Sports 'It damages our game' - Arteta condemns Oliver abuse
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes online abuse is damaging football and more needs to be done to "kick it out" of the game.
Police are investigating threats and abuse suffered by referee Michael Oliver after he sent off Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly for a late challenge during the Gunners' 1-0 win at Wolves on Saturday.
The full-back's three-match ban has been overturned after an independent regulatory commission upheld Arsenal's claim of wrongful dismissal.
In a news conference before the Champions League game against Girona on Wednesday, Arteta spoke about the need to "eradicate" abuse "regardless of whether it's about a player, a coach or a referee".
He said: "[It] leaves a bad taste and makes people's lives more difficult. Let's get it out, let's kick it out."
When asked if that was a message directed at his club's supporters, Arteta said: "It's for everyone in football, it should not be permitted. We don't want it, we don't need it and it certainly damages our sport. Let's get it out."
He also called for laws to specifically tackle online abuse, saying: "We have put in laws, measures and regulations for that kind of thing [abuse] but we haven't done it [on social media].
"We are all talking about it, but no-one seems to be moving strongly enough and bringing people with them to get that out of the game, because it's just unacceptable."
Last week a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of "malicious communications" following the online abuse of Arsenal striker Kai Havertz and his wife following the Gunners' FA Cup defeat by Manchester United.
Oliver is to take charge of Ipswich's Premier League match against Southampton on Saturday.
His appointment for the game at Portman Road means he will not officiate Sunday's match between Arsenal and Manchester City, with Peter Bankes taking charge at Emirates Stadium.
It is routine for officials not to referee the same team in consecutive games - and Oliver has not done so this season.
Oliver has also been appointed for the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on 5 February.
Referees' body PGMOL and the Premier League both condemned the abuse directed towards the official following Saturday's game at Molineux and would support any investigations.
Oliver also dismissed Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes later in the match for a second yellow card, before Riccardo Calafiori scored as Arsenal won 1-0.
Arteta disagreed with Lewis-Skelly's red card and told BBC Match of the Day the decision was "so obvious that today you don't need my words".
The decision was also criticised by former officials and pundits.
