Jesse Lingard has hit back at a Manchester City fan who directed a monkey chant towards him during Manchester United’s 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
The incident occurred in the second half as both Lingard and Fred were pelted with objects in the corner of the pitch in front of City’s fans.
Television footage also caught one City supporter making a monkey gesture towards Lingard.
City have confirmed they are working with Greater Manchester Police in order to identify the supporter who directed a monkey chant towards Lingard.
And after the match, Lingard sent a message to the City supporter.
The United midfielder posted on Twitter: ‘Not even this idiot can ruin tonight’s feeling, shameful behaviour, it may be the derby but there is never ever a reason to be racist!’
Meanwhile, former United defender Gary Neville has accused Boris Johnson of ‘fuelling’ racism following the incident at the Etihad Stadium.
‘You’re watching the prime minister’s debate where he is talking about migration to this country and people coming into this country having to have certain levels. It fuels it all the time,’ Neville told Sky Sports.
‘Essentially, it’s something that has got worse over the last few years in this country and not just in football.’
First-half goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial helped United secure a 2-1 victory over their Manchester rivals.
The win puts United into fifth place, five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, while the defeat leaves City trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by 14 points.
