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Manchester City Fans Racially Abusing United Players Draws Strong Reactions, Netizens Fume

The incident appeared to be captured on video in the second half when a fan seemed to mimic monkey gestures in front of United's Fred and Jesse Lingard as a corner kick was about to be taken.

Objects, including coins and lighters, were also thrown and Fred was seen holding his back. Manchester City players had to intervene and let their fans know that it was against the spirit of the game and completely not acceptable.

After the game, the incident drew strong reactions from the football fraternity. Former Manchester United full back Gary Neville blamed British PM Boris Johnson's election rhetoric on immigrants and immigration for fuelling the number of racist incidents in British society and sport.

"You are watching the prime minister's debate where he is talking about migration to this country and people having to have certain levels. It fuels it all the time. It has got worse over the last few years in this country and not just in football," he said.

Fred, who was on the receiving end of the abuse said, "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."

People too voiced their condemnation of the episode on Twitter.

We have been inundated with reports of alleged racist abuse from a number of individuals during this evenings Manchester Derby.

We will be contacting both clubs to offer our support and hope swift action is taken to identify the offenders.

€” Kick It Out (@kickitout)

Absolutely disgusting to watch fans throwing bottles & other items that would injure player.

I understand rivalry but never a reason for assault.

Disgusting.
This was directed at Fred.
I didn't manage to film the footage but I'm sure some has as you see things on the grass. pic.twitter.com/jFDNHVlkIz

€” Michelle Lee š½ï¸ (@Mich8Lee)

Imagine being this much of a racist, thick Neanderthal, and thinking you'd get away with it? We can see you doing your monkey signs & noises, d*ckhead, and you're going to very quickly wish you'd never done this. #ManchesterDerby#MCIMUNpic.twitter.com/RjO66fTi3c

€” Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan)

There have been slew of such incidents across the top European leagues, and it is a menace that is continuing to grow. It is shame that such events take place in 2019, and the inaction against such crimes only have resulted in spike of racist incidents.



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