Mikel Arteta reveals he and his family have received threats on social media

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.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed how he and his family suffered threats on social media

‘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.

Steve Bruce has revealed he has received death threats from Newcastle supporters this year

‘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 

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.’