POLICE have confirmed a charge of racist behaviour against a Manchester City fan who was arrested for allegedly abusing Fred in December’s derby.
The match with Manchester United descended into controversy after the Brazilian midfielder became a target while he took a corner in front of opposition fans.
Cameras caught the incident with Anthony Burke, 41, identified and questioned by Greater Manchester Police.
On Tuesday, it was confirmed by the authority that a charge under Section 5 of the Public Order Act has been lodged.
A statement detailed how officers were called on the evening of December 7 with “a report of a supporter making alleged racist gestures and sounds towards players”.
After the pictures of him emerged, Wythenshawe resident Burke, an army veteran, told Manchester Evening News that they were “taken out of context”.
He is due to appear at Salford and Manchester Magistrates Court on Wednesday 15 April 2020.
United won the derby clash 2-1 and came out afterwards to condemn the actions of fans, with missiles also seen being thrown at Fred as he took the corner after 66 minutes of the match.
Fred, 27, said afterwards: “Unfortunately, we are still in a backward society. [It is a shame] we still have to live with that in 2019.
“On the field, I didn’t see anything. I saw it only in the locker room afterwards.
“The guys showed me. He even threw a lighter and it hit me. I try not to care about that. I try to look ahead.”
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also asserted his desire to see the person responsible not allowed back inside a stadium with Manchester City vowing to ban any fan found guilty.
The Norwegian stated: “I’ve seen it on the video, it was Jesse and Fred and the fella must be ashamed of himself.
“It’s unacceptable and I hope he will not be watching any football anymore.”
