POLICE are investigating an alleged racist slur directed at Manchester United’s Fred moments before he was pelted with missiles in shocking scenes that marred the derby.
The Red Devils went into the game as underdogs, but shocked their hosts by racing into a first half lead to claim the bragging rights with a 2-1 win.
Police are investigating an alleged racial slur directed towards Man Utd ace Fred moments before he was pelted with missilesCredit: PA:Press Association
Man United star Fred was pelted with missiles during shocking scenes at The EtihadCredit: PA:Press Association
A bottle of water and several lighters were thrown at the Brazilian as he attempted to take a cornerCredit: Sky Sports
This is the supporter (front, centre) who has been accused of making the monkey chants and shouting ‘black b*****d’Credit: EPA
Marcus Rashford opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Anthony Martial doubled the advantage before the half hour mark.
City, who would pull a late goal back through Nicolas Otamendi, had still failed to find a breakthrough when the anger and frustration spilled over in the 67th minute.
United had won a corner in front of their travelling supporters.
But when their Brazilian midfielder went over to take it he was instantly ducking for cover as a water bottle and several lighters were hurled from the home section.
He then attempted to take the corner again, with Jesse Lingard nearby, but was struck by an object on the back.
Then as TV pictures replayed the vile scenes, a City supporter appeared to have been caught on camera making a monkey gesture and muttering “black b*****d” towards the South American.
Play eventually continued, however thousands condemned the shocking behaviour of a small section of the Cityzens.
I’ve seen it on the video, it was Jesse and Fred and the fella must be ashamed of himself. It’s unacceptable and I hope he will not be watching any football anymore.”
Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
One viewer tweeted: “Manchester City fans are an absolute disgrace. Been given billions of pounds and you get fans like this making monkey noises towards Fred.”
Another wrote: “City fans throwing ape chants to fred? sums up the plastic fans of that club.”
As another posted: “Big up to the racist d*** in the @ManCity crowd in the Derby game when fred was taking a corner! Your well and truly seen on TV.”
A fellow viewer said: “That’s shocking Fred’s been hit with something on his back of head …. Another thing I don’t want to see in this day and age.”
As another wrote: “Disgusting from the city supporters throwing bottles and lighters at Fred.”
United’s goalscoring hero Rashford was asked whether he was aware of the racist incident afterwards.
The striker said: “No not in game but it can happen.
“I think of recent times we have been dealing with it a bit better but the fact it is still happening it isn’t good enough so there is still work to do but for us it is about the football and just trying to do our best on the pitch.”
Lingard shared the clip on Twitter after the victory and wrote: “Not even this idiot can ruin tonight’s feeling, shameful behaviour, it may be the derby but there is never ever a reason to be racist!”
Man City confirmed they were aware of the incident and vowed to work with police to identify the alleged culprit.
A statement said: “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.”
Kick It Out later released a statement saying: “We have been inundated with reports of alleged racist abuse from a number of individuals during this evening’s Manchester derby.
“We will be contacting both clubs to offer our support and hope swift action is taken to identify the offenders.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
