Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall admits the team’s lack of diversity is a ‘problem’… but says the sport has a wider issue with inclusion from grassroots level upwards

• Club came under fire for a 27-player photo that failed to feature players of colour 
• Gunners released a statement that stressed they would make diversity a priority 
• Kai Havertz is a broken man at Arsenal: Listen to debate on It’s All Kicking Off 

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall has admitted that his team’s lack of diversity is a ‘problem’ but insisted women’s football has a wider issue when it comes to inclusion.

The club received criticism online after their 27-player team photo failed to feature a single player of colour.

Eidevall acknowledged the issue and said Arsenal and other clubs must work with the Football Association to increase diversity levels throughout the game.

‘I haven’t seen much reaction online but I think where we come from, north London, we’re very proud of our community and it is a diverse community,’ Eidevall said.

‘The history of the club, both the men’s first team and the women’s first team, has a very proud history of players coming from diverse backgrounds as well and made the club very proud of that.

Jonas Eidevall has admitted his Arsenal team has a diversity ‘problem’ – but pointed to wider issues within the game

The squad came under fire for a 27-player team photograph that did not feature a single player of colour

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‘So, us not having that diversity in the first team women’s today, of course that is a problem.

‘I think women’s football has a diversity problem in getting especially people of colour involved more in football, not only at the top level, but also at grassroots level. I think that we have to work with that but also the FA and other clubs.’

Arsenal said last month that driving greater diversity and inclusion in the women’s team was a priority.

‘We acknowledge our current women’s first-team squad does not reflect the diversity that exists across the club and the communities we represent,’ Arsenal said in a statement to The Athletic.

‘Increasing participation among young women and girls from diverse backgrounds is a key priority for us at academy level, with specific measures in place to improve pathways and accessibility.’

The statement added: ‘Across all our teams, including our men’s and women’s academies, we’re proud of our players from diverse backgrounds who have contributed to our history, success and culture.

‘It’s a priority for the club to continue to drive greater diversity and inclusion and create a sense of belonging for everyone connected to the club.’

Arsenal have said that they are making increased diversity at all levels a renewed club priority

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