Manchester United’s Fred reacts, Image: PAManchester City have confirmed that they are working with police after alleged racial abuse during the Manchester derby.
This after footage “emerged on social media, appearing to show a City supporter making an offensive gesture to Jesse Lingard in the second half at the Etihad”
Mirror Online reports: “The incident occurred after United midfielder Fred was struck by objects thrown from the crows as he prepared to take a corner.
“United dealt City’s title chances a hammer blow at the Etihad with a 2-1 victory.”
A City statement read: “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.
The fan appears to make a racist gesture – Image: TwitterMeanwhile, BBC reports: “The Football Association will investigate allegations of racism after Manchester United players said they were targeted at Manchester City.
“City said they were ‘aware of a video circulating on social media’ which appears to show a supporter making monkey gestures towards United players.
“They have pledged to issue a lifetime ban to ‘anyone found guilty of racist abuse’.
“The FA plans to speak to the clubs, referee Anthony Taylor and the police,” the report added.
“The incident in question happened when United midfielder Fred went to take a corner in the second half.
“The 26-year-old Brazilian said it was a shame that such incidents still happen in 2019.”
Fred told ESPN Brazil: “We are still in a backward society.
“Unfortunately, this is happening in some stadiums. It happened here, it happened in Ukraine with some friends.
“It’s sad, but we have to keep our heads up and forget about that. We can’t give them any attention because that’s all they want. I spoke to the referee after the match, they will do something about it and that’s all.”
The report also said: “Fred also appeared to be hit by an object thrown at Etihad Stadium.
“Anti-racism body Kick It Out says it has been ‘inundated’ with reports of alleged racist abuse after the incidents were captured by television cameras.”
Kick It Out stated: “We hope swift action is taken to identify the offenders.”
It was also noted that “more than one United player said they had been abused after the game, with the Old Trafford club reporting their comments to referee Anthony Taylor and Manchester City”.
The Professional Footballers’ Association welcomed City’s prompt response, adding: “Racist abuse is a criminal offence and must be dealt with accordingly.”
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “I’ve seen it on the video and the fella must be ashamed of himself. It is unacceptable and I hope he won’t be watching any football any more.”
City manager Pep Guardiola said he does not want to see any more alleged racist abuse “happen again”.
“It is a battle to fight every day. Unfortunately, it has happened in many places,” he said.
United forward Marcus Rashford, “who was also playing when England’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria was overshadowed by racism in October, called for more to be done to tackle the problem”.
“”The fact it is still happening is not good enough,” he said.
“We seem to be speaking about it an awful lot over last six to eight months. Even speaking about it now is not nice.
“The necessary departments need to do the right things to stop it in the game. It is a big negative in the sport and the country.”
