News in 2006

01st April 2006

Police investigate racism claim

A Manchester United footballer was accused of racially abusing an opponent during the team's Premiership match against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, police said.

The match referee and officers investigated a complaint made by two Bolton fans against the United player after the match at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton. A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said the investigation concluded no crime had been committed.

"During the Bolton Wanderers versus Manchester United game at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday April 1, a complaint was made by two Bolton Wanderers supporters of racist comments made by one player towards another," he said. "An immediate investigation was commenced involving the referee which concluded no crime had been committed. The matter is now closed."

It is understood police spoke to the players involved in the alleged incident after the game finished. The players have not been identified and neither club wished to comment.

The match was refereed by Alan Wiley and finished 2-1 to United.

Last month, Liverpool defender Steve Finnan was cleared of allegations he made racist comments towards United's black defender Patrice Evra.

Two deaf fans accused the player of making racist comments after reading his lips on television while watching the game.

Source: Football365.com