Life ban threat for ‘racially abusive’ fan
United investigate slur to Alexander-arnold Haringey and Yeovil to replay abandoned game
A Manchester United supporter who was kicked out of Old Trafford on Sunday for allegedly racially abusing Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-arnold is facing the possibility of a life ban and potential police action.
Security personnel ejected the fan after being informed that the person had reputedly shouted “you f------ black c---” at the right-back.
The incident is believed to have occurred during the first half of the match close to the players’ executive boxes in the Stretford End.
It came at the end of a week in which England’s black players were subjected to racist abuse in Sofia during their Euro 2020 qualifier against Bulgaria and Haringey Borough walked off the pitch in their FA Cup fourth qualifyinground tie against Yeovil Town on Saturday after alleged racial abuse.
Supporters who witnessed the incident at Old Trafford are believed to have immediately called for stewards to remove the fan.
United have launched an investigation and could issue an indefinite ban if the fan is found guilty of racist abuse. The club have also notified Greater Manchester Police about the incident. GMP have been contacted for comment.
In a statement, a United spokesman said: “We are aware of an incident where an individual in the home section has allegedly engaged in racial abuse. The individual was identified and ejected from the stadium. We are currently investigating the matter as a priority.”
Liverpool praised the speed with which United acted and called for the strongest possible action against any guilty party.
Meanwhile, Haringey’s game will be replayed on Oct 29 after the Football Association spared Yeovil from immediate sanctions pending an investigation.
Unlike England’s protest against Bulgaria, the walk-off led by Haringey’s staff did not enact any official protocol which can eventually lead to an automatic 3-0 win.
The FA’S decision to replay the tie comes after Scotland Yard arrested two men on suspicion of pelting the
Haringey goalkeeper with stones, bottles and shouting abuse.
The men – aged 23 and 26 – were arrested in Chard and Yeovil yesterday morning on suspicion of racially aggravated common assault. They are both in custody at a police station in Somerset.
Yeovil said they would be “cooperating with the authorities and our friends at Haringey Borough”.
Alleged abuse against at least two Haringey players came on the day that the Premier League and English Football League had launched a campaign highlighting abuse in the domestic game. Bristol City were also being investigated over the behaviour of some fans during their match at Luton Town, while Hearts have opened an investigation after claims that Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos was racially abused in Sunday’s Scottish Premiership draw.
Tom Loizou, the Haringey manager, said his players were visibly distraught after the episode on Saturday. He also claims women working in the club’s burger bar were left crying after lewd insults. The Isthmian League Premier Division side walked off in the 64th minute after Yeovil fans aimed most of their abuse at goalkeeper Valery Douglas Pajetat, whose team-mate, defender Coby Rowe, also faced slurs in the build-up to a penalty.