A man has been arrested over racist abuse during the Manchester derby on Saturday, police have confirmed.

One fan in the Manchester City section was filmed allegedly making monkey gestures and noises towards Manchester United player Fred.

The midfielder was also hit with a missile as he went to the touchline.

Officers said a 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order and remains in custody for questioning.

Superintendent Chris Hill said: ‘I would like to thank the public for their ongoing support with this incident.

‘Racism of any kind has no place in football or our society and I hope this arrest shows that we are taking this matter extremely seriously.

‘We will continue to work with Manchester City and Manchester United Football clubs on this incident  and will investigate any other lines of enquiries.’

City swiftly issued a statement saying the club was working with Greater Manchester Police and the FA was planning to talk to the clubs, referee Anthony Taylor, the police and other relevant parties.

It’s understood United reported the incident to City and Taylor, with more than one of their players feeling they had abuse of a racist nature aimed at them.

There were also reports of missiles being thrown as tempers boiled over in the stands, with Fred appearing to be hit by an object hurled from the crowd.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: ‘Fred and Jesse (Lingard) were in the corner, taking a corner, and I’ve seen the video, heard from the boys.

‘We keep talking about it every bloody week. But he’s been caught on camera. He should, in my opinion, never be allowed into a football ground again and I’ve seen the video. Unacceptable.’

City’s statement read: ‘Manchester City FC are aware of a video circulating on social media which appears to show a supporter making racial gestures during the second half of the match against Manchester United this evening.

‘Officials from the club are 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 onto the field of play.

‘The club operates a zero tolerance policy regarding discrimination of any kind, and anyone found guilty of racial abuse will be banned from the club for life.’

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