MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Rob Holding of Arsenal looks on during the warm up prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Rob Holding has been commended by anti-racism group, Kick it Out, for his actions in defending his teammates by reporting alleged racist abuse to officials.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 18: General view of a corner flag with the Leeds logo on is seen with fog behind inside the stadium ahead of the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on December 18, 2021 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Over the weekend, West Yorkshire police confirmed that they made one arrest following reports that Arsenal substitutes were subjected to alleged racist abuse during their game against Leeds at Elland Road on Saturday.
In a statement about the incident, campaign group Kick It Out said: “We are concerned by reports of racism directed at Arsenal players at Elland Road last night.
“We send our solidarity and support to those impacted by it, but we also commend Rob Holding for so swiftly reporting it to officials.
“His actions are a great example of taking a stand and being an ally to his team-mates.
“We await the outcome of the investigation by Leeds and the relevant authorities, and will support, however we can, efforts to hold those potentially responsible to account.”
Andre Marriner briefly stopped the match in the 34th minute when it was reported that Arsenal players had allegedly been subjected to racial abuse from a member of the Leeds support.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 18: Referee Andre Marriner reacts during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on December 18, 2021 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
It is believed that Nuno Tavares and Nicolas Pepe were the targets of the alleged abuse as they warmed up.
