Three Arsenal fans were arrested at the Emirates during yesterday's game with Crystal Palace after a steward was attacked while attempting to remove a supporter for shouting racist abuse.

The steward was escorting out the supporter, who had previously been warned over his behaviour, when he was set upon by a male and female protesting his removal.

In footage circulating on social media, one of the enraged fans is seen attempting to bite the steward's head during the scuffle.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "Three people were arrested yesterday, Sunday, 17 April, at the Emirates Stadium following an incident where a steward was assaulted.

"[A] A 50-year-old was arrested on suspicion of common assault and section 4 of the Public Order Act after stewards attempted to remove him from the stadium for racial abuse. [B] a 26-year-old man and [C] a 23 year old woman were also arrested on suspicion of the same offences after an altercation took place during the attempt to remove the man [A] from the stadium. All three remain in custody at a north London police station."

An Arsenal spokesman added: "We are working with the police regarding this incident. The stewards received medical attention after the incident and thankfully were not seriously injured."

The Gunners were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw in the encounter, a result that left them fourth in the Premier League table.