Arsenal fan accused of racism says he only called player ‘a cheeky monkey’

An Arsenal fan who was arrested at the Emirates Stadium for using a racist phrase told a court he actuall said: ‘Cheeky monkey’. Nicholas Roche, 52, was reported for allegedly saying ‘well done monkey’ when the Gunners hosted Manchester United on 4 December 2024. Tom Moser, prosecuting, said Roche was arrested and interviewed the next day. ‘The defendant has denied committing any offence or causing, or any intention of harassment, alarm or distress. ‘He denied being racist in any regard,…