Police arrest Leeds fans on racist abuse charges against Nun Tavares and Nicolas Pepe

Police have arrested a Leeds fan on charges of racist abuse against Arsenal players on Elland Road.

The Gunners reported the incident in the first half of their 4-1 Premier League victory on Saturday night, with alleged ridicule targeting substitutes Nicolas Pepe and Nun Tavares.

Leeds said in a statement: “Leeds United can confirm that an investigation into allegations of racism is underway in the first half of our match against Arsenal and that one arrest has been made in connection with the accusation.

The alleged taunts were allegedly directed at Nicolas Pepe (left) and Nun Tavares (right).

“Racism at Leeds United will not be tolerated and any fan found to be using racist language will be subject to a life ban for all Leeds United games.”

Half an hour after last night’s clash, Arsenal runner-up Rob Holding was spotted talking to fourth official John Brooks about the blatant racist language of fans in the west stand. Judge Andre Marriner then came to the map and discussed the claim with Leeds coaches.

At full time, police rushed to the field to speak with Emile Smith Rowe, who was on the Arsenal bench in the first half, and other members of the visiting staff.

Referee Andre Marriner (left) was involved in talks following an alleged incident in the first half

Police also spoke to Emile Smith Rowe (R), who was on the bench in the first half full

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “Unfortunately I can confirm that this has been reported to the stadium manager and the authorities will deal with it. One of the players sitting on the bench heard these comments.

“I’m very disappointed that we’ve done a lot in football to avoid this. But it’s one person. I don’t think it deserves a full stadium to pay the price.

“This has been reported and now the authorities will have to work with the clubs to understand what happened.”

Leeds chief Marcelo Bielsa added: “I am against all acts of discrimination.”

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta claimed full-time that only one person was responsible