Football
Written by
Alla Zakarian
08-12-2019 | 20:13 • Football
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Man arrested over racist gestures at Manchester derby named
A man arrested over racist gestures during the Manchester derby has been named as 41-year-old Anthony Burke.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Sunday that a man had been arrested after Manchester United midfielder Fred was targeted by a fan in the home section at the Etihad.
Burke appeared to make a monkey gesture and chant towards Fred as the Red Devils star went over to take a corner during the second half of the Manchester derby, which United won 2-1.
Footage of the incident quickly circulated on social media and Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Sunday that a man had been arrested.
But Burke, an army veteran, has taken to his Facebook profile to refute the allegation that he is a racist.
He wrote: "Listen, I'm only racist c*** because I had a screen shot that made me look it. However I ain't racist, watch the match half of it was me with me putting my hands in my pants. Bullsh** not ar*** I know the true and I've already made appointment to speak to the police which I did so think what you like."
Burke works as a civil engineering manager at Kier Group - who describe themselves as "a leading UK construction and infrastructure services company."
But after the incident, which saw Burke arrested by Greater Manchester Police, the company has announced that he has been suspended pending an investigation.
The employers wrote on Twitter : "Kier has a zero tolerance policy towards any racist and discriminatory behaviour. We can confirm an employee has been suspended pending an investigation."
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