Man Bailed Over Liverpool V Man Utd 'Gesture'

28th January 2012, 23:27

A man arrested over an alleged racist gesture made during Liverpool's FA Cup fourth-round victory over Manchester United has been released on bail.

Merseyside Police said the 59-year-old man from North Wales was held on Saturday after the game at Anfield.

The force, which had studied TV footage after an image was posted on Twitter, thanked North Wales police and Liverpool Football Club for their assistance with the matter.

It was the first time the two teams had played each other since Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was found to have racially abused Manchester United defender Patrice Evra during their Premier League match last year.

Suarez was banned for eight games by the FA, who found him guilty of "using insulting words towards" Evra.

The managers of both clubs had appealed for calm before the game, which Chief Superintendent Jon Ward said passed without any major problems.

"I would like to thank the majority of fans for their behaviour and co-operation during (the) Liverpool versus Manchester United match at Anfield," he said.

"We knew this would be a busy operation and most fans can be proud that they acted as ambassadors for their cities and their clubs.

"Despite the large numbers of supporters from both clubs and lively atmosphere, only 17 people were ejected from the ground and at this time, two people arrested during the policing operation, all for low level incidents."

Before the match, which Liverpool won 2-1, the stadium announcer warned supporters that racist and homophobic behaviour would not be tolerated.

It is understood that home supporters found guilty of such offences inside the ground would be banned from the club for life.

(c) Sky News 2012