A football fan has been arrested in relation to racist incident during yesterday's Premier League clash between Manchester United and Manchester City after the fan in question appeared to have made racist gestures from the stands.
During yesterday's coverage of the game, a fan could be observed directing what seemed to be racist abuse at United midfielder Fred as he prepared to take a corner during the 68th minute of the game. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed today that a fan has been arrested.
Both Pep Guardiola and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer condemned the incident after the game, while Man City released a statement in relation to the incident shortly after the final whistle.
"He shouldn't be watching football again."
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer comments on the alleged racist abuse of Manchester United players at the Etihad Stadium during the Manchester derby: https://t.co/yQbfVkEf4H pic.twitter.com/xmSEKlfhjG— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 7, 2019
A statement released by GMP today said:
A man has been arrested after live TV footage showed a supporter making racist gestures at the Manchester City v Manchester United match at the Etihad Stadium yesterday.
At around 6.55pm on Saturday 7 December 2019 police were called to a report of a supporter making alleged racist gestures and sounds towards players during the Manchester City and Manchester United derby.
A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order and remains in custody for questioning.
After the game Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville blamed these type of racist incidents on anti-migrant sentiment fuelled by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, agreeing with fellow pundit Jamie Redknapp who claimed the problem is a societal one.
Meanwhile, goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial helped the visitors to an expected victory at the Etihad Stadium, moving them back into the league's top-six, while City are now 14 points behind league leaders Liverpool.
