MANCHESTER UNITED star Fred blamed “a backward society” as the reason behind the alleged racial abuse he received in the derby.
Footage appeared to show a Man City supporter making a monkey gesture and shouting “black b*****d” as the Brazilian and Jesse Lingard strode over to a take a corner during United’s 2-1 win at The Etihad on Saturday.
Fred has blamed a ‘backward society’ as the reason behind the alleged racial abuse he suffered in the Manchester derbyCredit: Getty Images
A water bottle and several lighters were all hurled at the Brazilian as he attempted to take a cornerCredit: Sky Sports
An object hit the Man Utd star on the back during the shocking incident at The EtihadCredit: PA:Press Association
The 26-year-old was then pelted with missiles as a bottle of water and several lighters were hurled from the stands, with one object striking the midfielder on the back.
Speaking to ESPN afterwards, Fred said: “Unfortunately, we are still in a backward society. [It is a shame] we still have to live with that in 2019.
“On the field, I didn’t see anything. I saw it only in the locker room afterwards.
“The guys showed me. He even threw a lighter and it hit me. I try not to care about that. I try to look ahead.”
He added: “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.
“We are all the same regardless of skin colour, hair and gender. We came from the same place and we all go to the same place when it’s all said and done.
Man United star, Fred, targeted with vile racist slur as fan appears to direct monkey chant in his direction
“Thank God I have a lot of friends here in the locker room who hugged me, like Lingard. I don’t want to think about it. I just want to move on.”
Following the 2-1 victory for United, Lingard shared the clip of the alleged racist abuse on Twitter 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!”
City have vowed to work with police to investigate the vile incident, with a statement saying: “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 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.”
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “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.”
Kick it Out also said: “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
