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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Damon Wilkinson

Trafford man questioned by police after online racist abuse of Tottenham player during Manchester United match

A 20-year-old man from Trafford has been questioned by police after a Tottenham Hotspur player was racially abused on Twitter during a match against Manchester United.

He's one of 12 men from across England and Wales arrested or interviewed under caution in a Metropolitan Police investigation following last month's match.

The Met haven't named the player, but the London Evening Standard report it's South Korean forward Heung-min Son, 28.

Manchester United have banned six supporters since their 3-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11.

Det Sgt Matt Simpson from the Met’s public order crime team, said: "This action makes it abundantly clear that police will not stand for racist thuggery, even if it is committed online.

"The posts, all of which were on Twitter, were vulgar and were utterly unacceptable. There is no safe haven for this type of abusive behaviour and we are committed to taking decisive action to root it out."

All 12 men have each been arrested, or interviewed under caution, under suspicion of using words or behaviour, or displaying written material with intent to stir up racial hatred.

They have since been released under investigation.

Supt Julie Ellison from Greater Manchester Police, said: "Racism has absolutely no place in our communities, and I hope that these arrests send a clear message to those who think it is acceptable to spread hatred and abuse from behind the protection of their keyboard, that this is absolutely not the case.

"We will do everything within our powers to identify who you are and bring you to justice."

Tony Burnett, Kick It Out CEO, said, “We are pleased to see these arrests being made, it sends a powerful message that online abuse is unacceptable and those found guilty will face real-life consequences."

The Met said they will continue to identify further potential offences linked to the match.

Those arrested are: a 22-year-old man from Poole, Dorset; a 26-year-old man from Retford, Nottinghamshire; a 32-year-old man from Swansea, Wales; 27-year-old man from Warrington; a 20-year-old man from Bristol; a 20-year-old man from Llanelli, Wales; a 25-year-old man from Newport, Wales and a 29-year-old man from Hartlepool, County Durham.

Those interviewed under caution are: a 20-year-old man from Trafford; a 25-year-old man from Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire; a 63-year-old man from Poole, Dorset and a 25-year-old man from Aberdare, Wales.

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