A football fan has been arrested by the police over the alleged racist abuse at Saturday’s Manchester Derby. The man whose name and identity is yet to be revealed by the police, was alleged to have directed racist abuse towards Manchester United midfielder, Fred, during Saturday’s derby win over Manchester City.
According to the report by the UK Evening Standard, the man whose only identity was given as a 41-year-old was arrested by the Greater Manchester Police on the suspicion of “a racially aggravated public order” following the game at the Etihad Stadium.
The man who was charged for alleged racist abuse was reported seen on tape making monkey gestures towards the Manchester United and Brazilian midfielder, Fred, as he prepared to take a corner during the game at the Etihad.
After the game on Saturday, Fred told ESPN Brazil of the alleged racist abuse, saying “we are still in a backwards society”.
Fred was not the only United player to be on the receiving end of the abuse, with multiple players reporting the issue to referee Anthony Taylor. Also, Ole and Pep and the players from both City and United who commented on the alleged racist abuse, have all condemned the actions of some of the fans.
The English Premier League has a huge population of black players, and if urgent steps are not taking to nip the situation in the bud, it will generally affect the league in all areas.
One thing is to condemn the actions of some fans, another is to hold teams responsible for the actions of their fans. It is not enough to arrest offenders, fine the club, without them actually feeling the impact…a massive point deduction and possibly a relegation will be a welcome punishment if truly FIFA and UEFA are ready to fight this menace!
Meanwhile, this was the statement released by Manchester City condemning the alleged racist abuse:
“Manchester City FC are aware of a video circulating on social media which appears to show a supporter making racial gestures during the second half of the match against Manchester United this evening.
Officials from the Club are working with Greater Manchester Police in order to help them identify any individuals concerned and assist with their enquiries.
The Club are also working with GMP regarding an instance of objects being thrown onto the field of play.
The Club operates a zero tolerance policy regarding discrimination of any kind, and anyone found guilty of racial abuse will be banned from the club for life” the club had said after the game on Saturday.