Two Birmingham fans arrested for alleged misogynistic chanting towards referee Rebecca Welsh during Wayne Rooney's first win in charge

The 17-year-olds were detained after being overheard by officers directing abuse at Welch during Saturday's Championship fixture at St Andrew's. The arrests overshadowed Wayne Rooney's maiden win as Birmingham manager since his appointment last month.

A statement from West Midlands Police said: “We have arrested two boys for misogynistic chanting at the female referee during Birmingham City’s home game at St Andrew’s today

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

“They are currently in custody on suspicion of a public order offence as we carry out enquiries. We don’t tolerate any form of hate and it is important hate crime is reported to us."

Ahead of Saturday's fixture, Birmingham had reminded supporters about acceptable behaviour via its website and social media after Welch had received misogynistic abuse when she took charge of the club's defeat to Preston North End in January. That game marked the first occasion in which a female official had refereed an English second tier game. Welch went on to make further history by being appointed as fourth official for Fulham's defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League earlier this month.

On Sunday, Birmingham expressed their disappointment at the arrests, stating: "Birmingham City strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and will support the police with their enquiries."

The history-making Welch will take charge of the Championship fixture between Hull City and Rotherham United on Tuesday. The game is her sixth appointment as a Championship referee