Man arrested after ‘racist’ incident at Manchester United vs Crystal Palace football match

A football fan has been arrested on suspicion of making racist remarks at a Premier League football match on Sunday.

The incident allegedly occurred at a game between Manchester United and southeast London side Crystal Palace.

The match took place at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, where the 56-year-old man was arrested as the visiting team suffered a 1-0 defeat to the hosts, reports the Manchester Evening News.

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Police said that the man had been arrested on suspicion of committing a racially aggravated public order offence and remains in custody.

Superintendent Caroline Hemingway, of GMPs Trafford District, said the man’s behaviour was “utterly unacceptable”.

She added: “The vast majority of fans acted in an exemplary way this afternoon, allowing each other to just enjoy the match without any significant issues, but unfortunately this was tainted by this man’s disgusting actions.

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“We work closely with Manchester United Football Club to promote good behaviour at matches and to identify anyone who commits a criminal offence.

“I want to send a clear message to anyone attending football matches intent on engaging in abusive and threatening behaviour that it will not be tolerated. GMP officers will take positive action against those using racist language and that is what my officers have done at today’s fixture.

“As well as being arrested we will work with our football partners to ensure the strongest action is taken including banning those fans from attending future football matches.

“Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of the fans, staff and players and we want fans to be able to enjoy matches without the experience being ruined by a small number of people.”

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