An Arsenal supporter was arrested shortly after kick-off during Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham after police claimed he used an illegal word whilst confronting rival fans, with footage of the incident going viral on social media.
The fan, identified as streamer J2Hundred, was filmed shouting at Spurs supporters as they walked past before officers intervened. A police officer was heard stating: “He’s used the word ‘y**’, which is illegal.”
The arrest occurred as Arsenal sought to extend their Premier League lead to five points following Manchester City’s victory over Newcastle United on Saturday night that had closed the gap to just two points after the Gunners’ 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.
Mikel Arteta’s side took a well-deserved lead in the 32nd minute through Eberechi Eze’s neat finish before Tottenham levelled less than 30 seconds after the restart following a rare mistake by Declan Rice. The midfielder lost possession at the edge of his own penalty area, allowing Randal Kolo Muani to make it 1-1.
Arsenal regained control in the second half with Viktor Gyokeres scoring a stunning goal to restore their advantage at 2-1. Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville reacted on Sky Sports, stating: “They do not want to over celebrate that, but it is the best i’ve seen Gyokeres in a while, he has looked sharp today – it is a wonderful strike.”
Neville added: “But Arsenal cannot let Spurs back into this game, they have had the warnings, it is a good time to now send a real clear message.”
Eze scored his second of the match in the 61st minute to put Arsenal 3-1 up before Gyokeres netted his second deep into stoppage time to seal a vital 4-1 victory. The comprehensive win extended Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table back to five points ahead of Manchester City.
The viral footage of the arrest overshadowed what was otherwise a dominant performance by Arteta’s men in the derby. The incident raised questions about policing at football matches and what constitutes illegal language warranting arrest at sporting events.
The Metropolitan Police have not released further details about the arrest or whether the streamer will face charges for the alleged use of illegal language. The force typically does not comment on individual arrests until charging decisions are made.
J2Hundred’s streaming channels have not addressed the incident publicly. The video continues circulating on social media platforms with debate about appropriate police responses to confrontational language between rival supporters at matches.
Arsenal’s victory maintains their title charge with the comprehensive derby win providing momentum as the season enters its crucial final months. The five-point cushion over City represents a significant advantage, though Pep Guardiola’s side retain a game in hand.
The arrest represents one of several incidents at the match, with police maintaining a significant presence given the rivalry between the two north London clubs and the high stakes of Arsenal’s title push.
