Signify’s Threat Matrix delivering results for Arsenal FC
18 Arsenal supporters banned as part of ongoing drive against online abuse
Eighteen Arsenal FC members and season ticket holders – identified and unmasked by Signify’s Threat Matrix service - have been banned for sending targeted abusive, threatening, and discriminatory online messages.
This action is part of the club’s on-going drive to show that abusive and discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated at Arsenal. Eighteen supporters (out of a total of 31 banned for online and in stadium behaviour since the start of the 2021/22 season) have each been handed three-year bans, meaning they cannot attend any Arsenal match home or away during that period. The action shows the role technology and a proactive approach can play to help protect players and minimise abusive, discriminatory and threatening behaviour online.
Signify has been working with Arsenal FC since August 2021, deploying its specialist Threat Matrix service to support the Club’s efforts in combatting online abuse. The proactive 24/7 service utilises AI technology and publicly available data to identify and unmask abusive accounts targeting Arsenal’s players, fan groups and staff. Since the start of the service, the system has examined more than 11.3m messages, with verified abusers blocked and reported to platforms and authorities.
Due to the success of this initiative, and the extra layer of protection it has offered to players, the Club has extended the service for a further three year period.
Vinai Venkatesham, CEO of Arsenal Football Club said: “We take all forms of abuse and discrimination extremely seriously – whether online or in and around the stadium. While we are talking about a tiny minority of our supporter base, we must continue to take strong action against abusers who are identified as Arsenal season ticket holders or members, including escalating to the police where appropriate.
“New technology is changing the way we’re able to support our communities and create a safer space for the entire Arsenal family.”
- Vinai Venkatesham, CEO of Arsenal Football Club
Vinai continued: “Our aim is to create an environment at Arsenal where everybody feels welcome, and we hope this action serves as a deterrent for those using abusive, threatening, and discriminatory language.”
Jonathan Hirshler, CEO of Signify Group said: “Arsenal’s approach to this issue has been exemplary. The club’s commitment to understanding the true picture of the problem and applying real world sanctions acts as a powerful deterrent to those wishing to send abuse online. It also provides a clear template for the football family and other sports looking to protect their communities.
“The club’s extension of our contract is a powerful validation of our approach. It displays a real show of intent by Arsenal, and we hope to continue to strengthen our relationship and support the club’s wider efforts on safety, equality and diversity.”
For more information about Threat Matrix - please visit:
www.threatmatrix.ai.
Image credit: Creative Commons licence.
Attribution: Ronnie Macdonald. This image has been adapted.