Manchester City pledged to take a zero tolerance approach against supporters found to have subjected Manchester United players to racist abuse after the Premier League champions lost 2-1 to their local rivals on Saturday.
United midfielder Fred was hit by objects thrown from the crowd as he prepared to take a corner in the second half and footage on social media appears to show a City fan mimicking a monkey at the Brazilian.
"Manchester City FC are aware of a video circulating on social media which appears to show a supporter making racial gestures during the second half of the match against Manchester United this evening," City said in a statement.
"Officials from the Club are working with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in order to help them identify any individuals concerned and assist with their enquiries.
"The Club are also working with GMP regarding an instance of objects being thrown onto the field of play. The Club operates a zero tolerance policy regarding discrimination of any kind, and anyone found guilty of racial abuse will be banned from the club for life."
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said both Fred and Jesse Lingard had been "affected" by the alleged abuse.
However, Solskjaer insisted it is the individual concerned rather than City as a club who should bear the brunt of any sanctions.
"Why don't we educate him instead? It's not City's fault, it's his. Nothing to do with Man City as a football club," said the Norwegian.
"He's been caught on camera and he should never be allowed into a football ground again, it's unacceptable."
The incident comes after England's Euro 2020 qualifier against Bulgaria in October was twice halted due to racist abuse, while City's Raheem Sterling was targeted in defeat at Chelsea a year ago.
"We keep talking about it every week and it doesn't stop unless it has consequences.
"It affected both him (Fred) and Jesse. Sometimes you feel sorry for these people. It's an act of ignorance."
City boss Pep Guardiola offered his backing to the club's stance.
"I support the statement the club has done," said Guardiola.
"It's a battle to fight every day. Unfortunately it has happened in many places and hopefully will not happen again."
SOURCE: SPORT24
