Manchester United have handed out bans to three Season Ticket holders and two members over their alleged abuse of Tottenham Hotspur ace Son Heung-min following the Premier League clash between the two clubs earlier this month.
A total of six individuals have had sanctions brought against them by the Old Trafford club ahead of sports bodies and clubs readying themselves to stage an 81-hour social media blackout because of ongoing online abuse.
Son, who has been one of Spurs' stars of the season this term, was subjected to online abuse following United's 3-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this month.
The abuse extended from a key moment inside the first half when United striker Edinson Cavani had a goal disallowed after Scott McTominay was deemed to have fouled Son in the build-up.
Minutes later, Son scored the game's opening goal for Spurs, handing them a 1-0 lead, before United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer accused the South Korean international of exaggerating his reaction.
Issuing a statement, United, as quoted by our sister title - the Manchester Evening News - said: "Regretfully, suspensions have been issued, subject to appeal, to three season ticket holders, two official members and one individual on the season ticket waiting list.
"This disciplinary action demonstrates the club’s commitment to the fight against discrimination on many fronts. It follows the launch of United’s anti-discrimination campaign, SEE RED, earlier this month. SEE RED called on fans to celebrate the contribution of the club’s Black and Asian players and to report discriminatory behaviour."
As well as releasing that statement, United have confirmed that there has been a 350 per cent rise in abuse vented at United players since September 2019, with 3,300 posts having been targeted at players.
The club has discovered that 86 per cent of the posts were racist, with 8 per cent of them being either homophobic or transphobic.
The social media boycott being staged this weekend starts from 3:00pm this evening until 11:59pm on Monday night.
