Arsenal players and coaching staff faced a 24 per cent increase in online abuse last season as the north London club look to clamp down using data science.

Overall, Arsenal banned 24 supporters for abusive and discriminatory behaviour in the 2023-24 season.

Of the 24 fans, 21 were banned for offences in the stadium, as well as three members for online abuse.

The fans have each been banned for at least one year, with 14 handed three-year bans. It means they can't attend any Arsenal match home or away during that period.

Of the in-stadium offences, they include assault (10), tragedy chanting (five), racism (two) and homophobia (one).

Arsenal fans and coaches faced a heavy increase in online abuse last season, with the club looking to clamp down using data science

For online offences, there was one for each of racism, anti-semitism and sending abusive messages.

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It's an increase from the last reported figure of 31 (13 in the stadium and 18 online) — though that was for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 season combined.

Arsenal have been using a Threat Matrix service, via data science company Signify Group, since August 2021 to combat online abuse in particular — which has spiked towards players and coaching staff in recent years.

Meanwhile, the Gunners have launched a new anti-discrimination film featuring fans and players which will launch at their Premier League match against Wolves this Saturday. It will be played at all men's and women's matches at the Emirates.

Arsenal managing director Richard Garlick said: 'Abuse and discrimination will not be tolerated. We will continue to take strong action alongside our partners such as the Met Police against this abhorrent behaviour.

'Our aim is to create an environment at Arsenal where everybody feels welcome. We hope continued action serves as a deterrent for those using abusive, threatening, and discriminatory language.'