Mikel Arteta has revealed how he and his family suffered threats on social media, with Arsenal having spoken to their players to offer advice and warn about the dangers of online abuse.
Arteta is one of the few managers with a Twitter account – and 1.5million followers – but the Spaniard no longer logs on, saying he would 'have to stay in bed' if he did.
His family was targeted and the club addressed the issue internally, though Arteta says he no longer checks his social media because he fears it would have a heavy impact on him.
'We are all exposed in this industry to that and that's why I prefer not to read because it would affect me personally, much more the moment somebody wants to touch my family,' Arteta said.
'It happened, the club was aware of it and we tried to do something about it. That's it. We have to live with it. It is not going to stop tomorrow, we know that, but medium, long term, can we do something about it? That's what I am pushing for.'
Arsenal host Leeds United on Sunday. Arteta says he has noticed a very stark difference in the mood on social media when he wins versus when he loses.
'It is part of the job, honestly,' Arteta said. 'I am not the only one who is suffering these kind of things. I think when you are winning, everything is beautiful and you are incredible and you are the best coach. When you lose it is the complete opposite. That is the reality and it is not pleasant.
'If we read everything that is written about us, probably we'd have to stay in bed a lot of days. It is great that people have the ability and so many platforms and ways to communicate and give their opinions. The only thing I am asking is to be respectful. Do it in a respectful way.
'You don't have to batter anybody or try to hurt anybody. When it is constructive, I think everybody can take criticism. But when people are just with that intention of hurting, that's when it becomes silly. It is just finding that balance.
'When it goes personal against me I can take it, but when the family is involved then it is a different story. We are lucky enough that the club is very supportive. We do what we have to do when those things happen.'
Referee Mike Dean will not be officiating a Premier League match this weekend after requesting to be taken off the rota. That follows death threats directed to him and his family.
'We spoke internally about the players and tried to give them some advice and protect them as much as possible,' Arteta added. 'The incident with Mike Dean is completely unacceptable.
'We should all stand for him and support Mike. They (the referees) have a tremendously difficult role at the moment in the league with a lot of key decisions which effect teams one way or the other. At the same time they try to do their best, prepare the best possible way and we all make mistakes. We have to support them.'
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce revealed on Thursday that he had death threats from some supporters following their 11-match run without a win.
Azeem2
0
Arteta says he no longer lock on to social media to have adverse effect on him. Yet he speak to social media to tell his part of stories. Classic Manager who always find excuses that contradict his actions.
But notwithstanding, abusing players or coaches can cause a very big effect in their minds. That would even cause them not to perform very well
Pobactuz
0
Arteta says he no longer lock on to social media to have adverse effect on him. Yet he speak to social media to tell his part of stories. Classic Manager who always find excuses that contradict his actions.
oskar01
3
you win one and lose five in a row and you expect fans to be happy you for fielding under performing players and losing a match we should have won or at least drawn. you should get your first eleven players and use them always then make changes when the need arise and also give the young guns some space to express themselves as our experience players are not performing. you should be criticized for not winning matches and getting results but the death threats is what I am totally against and should be curbed because football is not a do or die sport but for pleasure and entertainment with bantering
Ph3stus
0
Arteta when someone speaks truth you take it as a threat. Why do you keep on playing Willian Pepe and Ceballos?. Are you blind to reality? Are supporters the only ones seeing that your decision making is poor as a coach
Another 🐷 spotted without brains
Ph3stus
0
you rather leave the club otherwise that treats will come true
Biggest fool of the decade
jerryadekunle
0
you rather leave the club otherwise that treats will come true
use your senses bruh...
pocackltz
1
Ther players of any team have to do what they have to do on the field and is all the fans must support them no matter win or lost god blessed you all
ibrou
0
That's not right please less support Arteta and stop talking nonsense
Tembdinsu
1
U can't threaten someone's family because of football that's stupid, it's for entertainment. It's just a game.
Tembdinsu
0
Arteta when someone speaks truth you take it as a threat. Why do you keep on playing Willian Pepe and Ceballos?. Are you blind to reality? Are supporters the only ones seeing that your decision making is poor as a coach
Dude.. Someone's threatening his family. Shut up man. U can't threaten someone's family because of football that's stupid. It's just a game.
yiebcdnoz
0
pole wangu
Ntakumdi
zaudepty
0
That just shows how deep this sport is to the fans, I don’t encourage it but this fans must really love their clubs u gotta admit
Someone loves more than that fan but he is the to rectify if he can't it is the management to take that decision not threatening
zaudepty
0
Well spoken Mr Manager Arteta. Have you given the same to Ozil what you require others give on you. This is where your hiprocasy shows. You always blame others and not yourself during defeat and when Arsenal win even by penalty score you claim as if that is your coaching ability.
U just hate the man u shld have hate wenger instead, not him
zaudepty
0
soccer is for entertainment. stop hate messages
Tell them
slayer91
0
you rather leave the club otherwise that treats will come true
try to put yourself in someone's shoes you clown
xotwod
0
Arteta when someone speaks truth you take it as a threat. Why do you keep on playing Willian Pepe and Ceballos?. Are you blind to reality? Are supporters the only ones seeing that your decision making is poor as a coach
"someone speaks the truth" his family got fucking death threats
puabltuy
0
you rather leave the club otherwise that treats will come true
Keydikmnz
1
Arteta when someone speaks truth you take it as a threat. Why do you keep on playing Willian Pepe and Ceballos?. Are you blind to reality? Are supporters the only ones seeing that your decision making is poor as a coach
KelvLewin
2
That death threats should be given to that stupid Ref that referred Arsenal vs wolves match...He need to be dealt with.Useless Ref
Jozeikltu
2
soccer is for entertainment. stop hate messages
Pobactuz
3
Well spoken Mr Manager Arteta. Have you given the same to Ozil what you require others give on you. This is where your hiprocasy shows. You always blame others and not yourself during defeat and when Arsenal win even by penalty score you claim as if that is your coaching ability.
yeebceiopu
1
He does look like a taliban
rockstar777
1
but still he has more trophies than ole
Joejoejoe
1
another two lose，we will join Lampar
Swaelee666
3
That just shows how deep this sport is to the fans, I don’t encourage it but this fans must really love their clubs u gotta admit
nodcelny
0
nobody should support Mike Dean he should be killed by gun 🔫 fire and together with the refree that blow arsenal vs aston villa they should die together
niylmorsuz
0
god will help everyone dat is involved
Lawacklyz
3
wat I can't fucking understand these fucking stupid racist people openly treantend people online and no one will do anything about it so people can kill someone and nothing will hwppend yow u fucking duppy bats go suck ur mother leeds gona beat up arsenal weekend so u gunners stupid people leave the coach alone he's not to blam for stupid players at the club
Veyikmsuy
1
pole wangu
Rocaikmrz
2
How can you Arteta support Mike Diney , he is a worst reffery
vetceosz
1
Hmm! in as much as social media will continue to allow anonymous accounts usage ,there ll be an end to this mess. People must be held accountable for their actions..Various government should start sanctioning the social media handlers... very appalling on humanity ..
rashkamario10
2
People have gone crazy...