Arsenal have confirmed that an arrest has been made after a laser was pointed in the face of Chelsea attacker Mykhaylo Mudryk in Tuesday's Premier League fixture.
The Gunners rose back to the top of the table with a 3-1 win over their London rivals, as Martin Odegaard netted a brace before Gabriel Jesus also got in on the act in the first half.
Frank Lampard's side grabbed a consolation through Noni Madueke in the second period, after which Mudryk was introduced to a frosty reception from the Arsenal faithful.
The Ukrainian attacker was seemingly on the verge of joining Arsenal in the January transfer window, making no secret of his admiration for the club and Mikel Arteta on social media.
However, Chelsea hijacked their rivals' move for Mudryk, agreeing an initial £61.8m deal with Shakhtar Donetsk - potentially rising as high as £88.5m - as the Gunners signed Leandro Trossard from Brighton & Hove Albion instead.
Mudryk was brought off the bench for the final 19 minutes of Tuesday's derby at the Emirates Stadium, during which he was disgracefully targeted by a green laser from a supporter in the stands.
🤦🏼♂️ https://t.co/Bjq2G0KJHa
— Mykhailo Mudryk (@mmudryk_10) May 2, 2023
The 22-year-old reacted to the incident on social media with a facepalming emoji, and Arsenal have confirmed that a supporter has been arrested after the "dangerous and totally unacceptable" offence.
"An arrest has been made following the use of a laser during last night's match. This behaviour is dangerous and totally unacceptable, and we will fully support the police with their enquiries. We will obviously take the strongest possible action," a statement read.
The FA have also opened an investigation into the incident involving Mudryk, who has endured a slow start to life in West London since leaving his homeland four months ago.
Mudryk has just two assists to show from his first 14 appearances in a Chelsea jersey, making five Premier League starts and only completing the full 90 minutes in their 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion last month.
In contrast, Trossard hit the ground running at Arsenal and has one goal and eight assists to show from 18 games, setting up a record-breaking three goals in the first half of the Gunners' 3-0 away win at Fulham in March.
Arsenal's victory on Tuesday lifted Arteta's side back to the top of the table over Manchester City on 78 points - double the tally of 12th-placed Chelsea, who have suffered six straight defeats since Lampard's return.
Ben Knapton
