Television footage appeared to show a supporter making racist gestures.
The target players were Manchester United’s Fred and Jesse Lingard.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of a “racially aggravated public order” during Saturday’s clash between Manchester City and Manchester United, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed. During the second half of United’s 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium, the visitors’ midfielder Fred appeared to be hit by an object thrown from the crowd as he prepared to take a corner.
Lighters and a plastic bottle could be seen by the corner flag, while television footage seemed to show a supporter making racist gestures in the direction of Brazil international Fred and his team-mate Jesse Lingard. Shortly after full-time, City released a statement saying they were investigating and threatened to issue life bans to any individual found to have committed racial abuse.
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: “A man has been arrested after a video posted on social media showed a supporter making racist gestures at the Manchester City v Manchester United match at the Etihad Stadium yesterday.
“At around 6.55pm on Saturday 7 December 2019 police were called to a report of a supporter making alleged racist gestures and sounds towards players during the Manchester City and Manchester United derby. A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order and remains in custody for questioning.”
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