Met Police open investigation into crowd incident at Arsenal vs. Everton

London: The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation after a disturbance broke out in the away section of Emirates Stadium during Everton’s 2-0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal on Saturday.

Officers and stewards intervened after footage circulated online showing several people involved in a scuffle in the lower tier allocated to travelling supporters. Everton forward Thierno Barry, who entered the match as a 70th-minute substitute, later posted a video on Instagram in which he claimed his friends “were attacked” and had to be escorted from the ground by security staff amid fears of further reprisals.

“I bring my friends to enjoy a game, and it gets ruined by a few silly people,” Barry wrote. “Football should be a place where everyone feels safe and respected. This type of attitude has no place in the game and is simply not tolerated in football.”

The 23-year-old, who has previously played for Beveren, Basel and Villarreal, rejected suggestions that he had supplied tickets to Arsenal fans, insisting those involved have followed him throughout his career and were wearing Everton shirts bearing his name. He added that relatives of another Everton player were also confronted after being wrongly accused of celebrating Arsenal’s late goals.

“During the match, they were approached twice by supporters who asked whether they were supporting the opposing team,” Barry explained. “They clearly stated that this was not the case and that they were there to support me … My friends were insulted, how is that even possible?”

The Met confirmed that no serious injuries were reported and no arrests had been made as of Sunday, but enquiries are continuing in partnership with both clubs.

“An investigation is under way following an altercation in the away section towards the end of Arsenal’s match against Everton on Saturday,” a spokesperson said. “Officers and stewards responded to the incident. No serious injuries were reported. Enquiries are ongoing and we are working with both clubs to identify those involved.”

Everton said they are “aware of an incident involving supporters in the away section at Emirates Stadium and will review the circumstances surrounding it.”

“Violent or disorderly behaviour is completely unacceptable and has no place in football,” the club added. “It does not reflect the passionate and loyal support Everton receives both home and away. The club will work with the relevant authorities to establish the facts and take any appropriate action.”

Arsenal declined to comment when contacted.

The match itself was decided by two late strikes: Viktor Gyokeres broke the deadlock in the 89th minute before 16-year-old academy graduate Max Dowman sealed victory in stoppage time, becoming the youngest goal-scorer in Premier League history at 16 years and 73 days.