Ex-soldier held over race abuse at big soccer derby
A FORMER soldier has been arrested after a football fan was filmed allegedly making racist gestures and sounds at the Manchester derby on Saturday.
Anthony Burke, 41, was quizzed on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after footage was circulated on social media.
The clip showed a supporter apparently abusing Manchester United players during the clash at arch-rival City’s ground.
Mr Burke is believed to be a civil engineering manager at construction firm Kier Group.
Yesterday, his ex-girlfriend reportedly said: “He is with the police – he has been arrested. He was arrested this morning. He doesn’t live with me. It’s horrible – I have had death threats and my kids.
“I have been in tears. I am really surprised – this is not like him – his family are black. I keep watching the footage back and I can’t say whether he’s done it or not. Has he done it or hasn’t he?”
Kier Group tweeted: “We’re aware of a video circulating on social media. We take allegations and instances of racism very seriously and are currently investigating potential links between the individual involved and Kier.” United star Fred was targeted with racist abuse and had objects thrown at him by City fans. Following United’s 2-1 victory, midfielder Jesse Lingard tweeted: “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 said it was “working with Greater Manchester Police in order to help them identify any individuals concerned and assist with their enquiries.
“The club are also working with GMP regarding an instance of objects being thrown on to the field of play.
The club operates a zerotolerance policy regarding discrimination of any kind and anyone found guilty of racial abuse will be banned from the club for life.”
Mr Burke, from Wythenshawe, Manchester, removed his Facebook profile from public view yesterday.
Police Superintendent Chris Hill said: “Racism of any kind has no place in football nor our society and I hope this arrest shows we are taking this matter extremely seriously.”
The Football Association is planning to talk to the clubs, referee Anthony Taylor and the police.
● Blackburn supporter Kieron Lewis, 18, has been banned from matches for three years for shouting racial abuse at opposition Oldham fans during a home Carabao Cup match on August 13.
At Blackburn magistrates court, Lewis, of Blackburn, admitted assaulting a supporter, plus racially aggravated public order offences.