Police arrested a teenage boy earlier this month in connection with social media abuse sent to Arsenal striker Kai Havertz and his pregnant wife earlier this month.
Sophia Havertz – who is expecting her first child with the Germany international – posted two messages she received on Instagram after Arsenal's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on January 15.
The 25-year-old Havertz missed the decisive penalty in the penalty shootout, which confirmed his team's exit in the third round.
Arsenal commissioned data technology company Signify to determine the identity of the abusers. Police then launched an investigation and confirmed on Tuesday that a person had been arrested.
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: “A 17-year-old boy from St Albans has been arrested on suspicion of malicious communications. He has been released on bail while investigations continue.”
Ahead of his side's Premier League match against Tottenham at the Emirates last week, manager Mikel Arteta warned of “terrible consequences” if no action was taken.
Havertz, who scored in Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday to take his season's tally to 13, is expected to return to the lead on Wednesday when the Gunners host Dinamo Zagreb in their penultimate Champions League group match.
His teammate Leandro Trossard said: “Of course there are always people who will say something when a striker doesn't score, but Kai has helped us a lot in the last year and a half.
“He's so good for us, not only when it comes to scoring, but he also helps us get on the pitch, and he's such a big player.
“It helped him (that he scored against Aston Villa). He is a confident player, but it is up to us to get him in those positions (to score).”
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