Two football fans have been arrested over alleged abuse aimed at a female referee.

The fans were arrested during Birmingham City’s win over Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday for alleged misogynistic chanting towards match official, Rebecca Welch.

“We have arrested two boys for misogynistic chanting at the female referee during Birmingham City’s home game at St Andrew’s today,” a statement from West Midlands Police read.

“Our officers heard the chants being directed at the official and acted quickly to arrest the two, who are both 17.”

Police said the teenagers were arrested on suspicion of committing a public order offence.

Birmingham warned supporters ahead of the match on Friday about their behaviour towards match officials.

In a statement, the club highlighted how Ms Welch faced “sexist and misogynistic” chants during her previous match at St Andrew’s against Preston.

The club also reminded supporters that a five-year ban could be issued for discriminatory or hate speech.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Read more from Sky News:
Women’s football revamp back on
Championship side QPR drafts in bankers

“Prior to Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship fixture with Sheffield Wednesday, a statement was issued on BCFC.com encouraging supporters to be respectful towards the match officials,” a club statement read.

“The football club are, therefore, deeply disappointed that two supporters were overheard by West Midlands Police officers engaging in misogynistic chanting towards today’s referee and are currently in custody on suspicion of a public order offence.

“Birmingham City strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and will support the police with their enquiries.”

Birmingham won the Sky Bet Championship fixture 2-1, which earned new manager Wayne Rooney his maiden victory in charge of the club.

Ms Welch, 39, made history in January by becoming the first woman to officiate a Championship match – after she took charge of Birmingham’s clash with Preston.

Related posts:

Computerised image released to help identify body of woman found on beach Boy, 14, among four jailed for kicking father-of-two to death for his gold Rolex Police forces deal with record number of football-related incidents after Euro 2020 final Pictured: CCTV shows man understood to be Sir David Amess murder suspect walking down London street hours before attack Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy hits out after media mistake him for Man City star charged with rape ‘Significant levels’ of antibiotic-resistant bacteria found on popular Cambridge river Saved by a whisker: Icicle the cat rescued by RNLI after falling into river ‘Amazing’ teen needs stem cell donation to survive leukaemia Saka starts as England open their World Cup amid armband row – and fans struggle to get in stadium | England v Iran live New leadership appointed at Sky News Miscarriage care will change to tackle ‘final taboo’ Greta Thunberg pleads not guilty as she appears in London court