A man has been arrested on suspicion of hurling racist abuse at the Manchester City v Atletico Madrid game.
It comes as officers confirm they are investigating footage showing visiting fans performing what appeared to be Nazi salutes. The Blues' Champions League clash quarter-final clash against the Spanish giants at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night has been marred by accusations of racism and violence by the visiting 2,100 supporters.
A video shot by a City fan showed a number of opposition supporters on the second tier of the South Stand stood with their arms outstretched in front of them performing the salute, whilst waving a flag.
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Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have now confirmed a 32-year-old man was arrested at the game on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. A spokesman for the force also said that the videos circulating on social media, including the one published by the M.E.N, were now being investigated, alongside reports of two stewards being injured during the game. The spokesman described their injuries as 'minor.'
"We are working with both clubs to identify and take action against any perpetrators" he said. The force has declined to disclose who the arrested man supports, saying they wouldn't be confirming what part of the stadium any arrests or allegations were made.
The M.E.N understands City are also looking into the incidents from the game and will be reporting their findings to UEFA. Any formal investigation into the allegations, which could lead to sanctions on Atletico if proven, would be dealt with by UEFA.
A UEFA spokesman said their disciplinary body would assess any reports and then decide on any action to be taken, but added that given the body works independently no timescale could be put on this.
A City fan who was at the game, and was sitting close to the section of Atletico fans in the third tier of the South Stand, previously told the Manchester Evening News that he was 'disgusted' by what he saw.
"It started straight away with them booing the taking of the knee" Nick said. Then every time Raheem Sterling came down the side of the pitch near them they were booing him as well. Then they were also doing Nazi salutes. I have no doubt at all that's what they were doing. It wasn't just one or two I'd say it was a good 10 percent of the fans.
"I was just disgusted really. Maybe I'm a bit naïve but I like to think things like this just don't happen anymore. We have had issues like this in the past from certain other sets of fans but to see it with my own eyes was just awful. To see the most disgusting fascist symbol that you could do, it just made me feel sick."
