PEP GUARDIOLA offered some words of comfort for Fred after the Manchester United midfielder appeared to be racially abused in Saturday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad.
A 41-year-old City fan – who denies he was being racist – was arrested yesterday and the FA are likely to launch an investigation today.
Fred appeared to be racially abused during Man Utd’s win over Man CityCredit: Getty
Guardiola tracked down Fred in tunnel to console him after the alleged racist abuseCredit: Reuters
The City fan has been accused of aiming monkey chants at Fred and shouting ‘black b*****d’ – he has denied thisCredit: EPA
City boss Guardiola tracked down the United midfielder by the tunnel after the game.
Concerned Pep spoke to the shaken Brazilian, who he was previously keen to sign for the Etihad club.
Ex-Shakhtar Donetsk man Fred, who joined the Red Devils for £52million in summer 2018, did not see the alleged abuse at the time.
But he was dismayed when shown the footage in the dressing room.
Chief executive Ferran Soriano and other senior officials from City spoke to United director David Gill in the tunnel area after United’s 2-1 victory.
NO STONE LEFT UNTURNED
Soriano is believed to have condemned abuse — making clear no stone would be left unturned in dealing with the issue.
City could also be in hot water over objects thrown from the stands.
Fred was hit by what was believed to be a lighter — amid reports of other things being hurled.
The champions quickly issued a statement regarding treatment of Fred and Jesse Lingard.
And United said yesterday they are “continuing to support the players who were impacted”.
They added: “We will continue to combat and educate against racism. Racism has no place in football or society.”
City will discover if they are in trouble with the authorities themselves when the FA investigate.
A Prem statement last night read: “We will support action taken by the authorities and the clubs.
“Everyone is welcome at Premier League games. Racism is not.”
Man United star, Fred, targeted with vile racist slur as fan appears to direct monkey chant in his direction
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
