A FAN has been arrested for allegedly racially abusing a player after Salford City’s pre-season friendly at York City was ABANDONED on Friday.
A 23-year-old man from York has been arrested in connection with the shock incident at the LNER Community Stadium.
The score was 3-3 when an unnamed player for Salford, who are co-owned by David Beckham and Gary Neville, made way off the pitch during a substitution.
BBC Radio York commentator David Ward witnessed the scenes and said: “Noises seemed to be made towards the away dugout which led to the player trying to enter the stand to confront the spectator.
“He [the fan] then got up of his free-will and made his way towards stewards at the bottom of the stand and was led out of the ground.”
The BBC also reported that the game was stopped after a supporter appeared to make monkey noises at a Salford player.
Both sets of players were taken off the field before the referee called off the game.
National League club York and North Yorkshire Police are investigating the incident and have confirmed that a young male has been arrested.
A statement from Salford, who are in League Two, said: “Salford City condemns racism in all forms, will always protect and defend its players and staff from any form of behaviour of this kind, and condemns this evening’s behaviour in the strongest possible terms.
“We would like to thank York City for its swift response to this incident.”
York appealed for witnesses to come forward after what they described as an “extremely distressing evening”.
A statement added: “Any spectators who may have witnessed Friday’s events should contact North Yorkshire Police or York City Football Club as soon as possible.
“Any supporter found guilty of racial abuse will face the strongest possible sanctions from the club.”
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