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Deplorable City Fans Hurl Objects, Racially Abuse United Players During Derby Defeat

By Travis Yoesting December 7, 2019
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City fans, frustrated by United, threw objects at and racially taunted Fred.
Screenshot: NBCSN

As it turns out, Son Heung-min did not bring about world peace with his brilliant solo goal on Saturday. He couldn’t even bring harmony Man City fans during a Manchester Derby that had no real title implications later in the day.

Manchester United frustrated City for a 2-1 win on Saturday at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola’s side was furious over not being given a penalty kick on two different hand-ball situations while Marcus Rashford converted a penalty thanks to a rare VAR reversal. 

None of that excused the deplorable behavior of City fans in the second half, particularly toward United midfielder Fred.

City was understandably irritated at the lack of calls going its way in the first half, even if they weren’t actually bad calls.

Twice City thought it should’ve been awarded a penalty for hand balls in the box with neither referee Anthony Taylor nor the VAR agreeing. 

While it’s possible another referee could have deemed these hand balls, they were not bad calls by the letter of the law, which gives leeway to defenders going to the ground.

That didn’t make it any easier to swallow when Rashford was bundled over by Bernardo Silva and VAR awarded a penalty. The United No. 10 converted the spot kick in the 23rd minute to continue his torrid recent form. 

The eventual winner came courtesy Anthony Martial six minutes later with a well-placed strike to stun the City faithful. 

With United’s defense playing superbly — Aaron Wan-Bissaka shut down Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva had to be subbed off and the center backs kept Gabriel Jesus quiet — the Etihad grew increasingly angry in the second half.

The tensions boiled over in the 67th minute.

As Fred went to take a corner kick, he was pelted by plastic water bottles and lighters from City fans. 

It also appeared one City fan in a red shirt and vest jacket may have racially abused Fred.

After the match, Manchester United confirmed Fred and other United players were subjected to racist abuse, according to NBCSN. The fan in question was not in his seat later in the match, presumably kicked out and hopefully banned for life if confirmed to have racially taunted Fred. Anyone who threw objects onto the pitch should also be banned.

“He must be ashamed of himself,” United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjær told reporters after the match. “That’s unacceptable and I’m hoping he won’t be watching any football anymore.”

City released a statement saying it was aware of the video and was working with police to identify any suspects.

While the racist City fans are probably the minority, it’s always disgusting to see such intolerance anywhere. It lends City no sympathy for a fourth loss of the season equaling the team’s total all last season.

And Fred had the last laugh with the win and this nutmeg.

The home side did pull one back late through Nicolas Otamendi but couldn’t complete the comeback.

Manchester City is now an incredible 14 points back of first-place Liverpool. While Leicester City is a mere 11 points back of first, it’s hard to envision anyone but the Reds claiming the Premier League title this season.

United meanwhile leapt to within five points of fourth-place Chelsea. 

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