Manchester City fan fined for racially abusing United players

Brazilian midfielder Fred was one of the players abused

A Manchester City fan has been fined £500 for racially abusing Manchester United players during a derby game.

Anthony Burke, 42, was seen on TV making a monkey gesture and noises towards three black players during the match on 7 December 2019.

He was convicted at Tameside Magistrates' Court of a racially aggravated public order offence.

Burke, of Wythenshawe in Manchester, was also banned from all football grounds in the UK for three years.

Greater Manchester Police said the force received reports of a fan making racist gestures at City's Etihad Stadium after the game.

Burke was arrested the next day but denied the offence when being questioned by detectives.

The force said CCTV and accounts from witnesses in the ground close to where Burke was standing established that he was making monkey sounds while making the gesture.

The abuse happened as United's Brazilian midfielder Fred went to take a corner in the second half.

Speaking after the game, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer described Burke's abuse as "unacceptable".

Marcus Rashford scored as United won the derby 2-1

Det Con Susan Muldowney said Burke "appalled the city and the wider football community".

"His frankly unacceptable actions live on TV were witnessed by viewers around the world and it is right that he has finally been brought to accountability for what he did," she said.

"No member of society should face such abuse wherever they are, especially when at their place of work and this applies for anyone, whether they are a professional sports player or otherwise."

As well as the £500 fine, Burke, of Panfield Road, was ordered to pay £300 in costs and a £50 victim surcharge.

United won the match 2-1 after goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to [e-mail]