A Manchester City football fan has been arrested for making ‘”monkey gestures” aimed at a Manchester United player. Anthony Burke, 41, was arrested after video footage appeared to show him making monkey gestures towards United’s Brazilian midfielder Fred during the derby match, the Daily Mail reports.
He has been suspended as civil engineering manager by building company Kier Group after the footage came to life. Defending himself, Burke says he “ain’t racist” and was just “putting his hands in his pants,” and said that the video had been taken out of context and wants people to watch the whole clip. He wrote on Facebook: “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.”
Amy, Burke’s ex-partner said: “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 done it?”
Following Manchester United’s 2-1 win, winger 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!” Striker Marcus Rashford posted: “Can’t beat a derby win. Stood up to EVERYTHING thrown at us & got what we deserved.”
Kier Group, tweeted: “Kier has a zero tolerance policy towards any racist and discriminatory behaviour. We can confirm an employee has been suspended pending an investigation.”