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Kick It Out call for action after Manchester United players abused during derby victory

Manchester United's Fred reacts after objects are thrown at him during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
Fred was the victim of abuse as he went to take a corner kick. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)

Manchester United’s derby victory over fierce rivals City was marred by crowd trouble at the Etihad Stadium.

The Red Devils beat their neighbours 2-1 in a thrilling encounter, thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial before Nicolas Otamendi scored a consolation.

But United midfielder Fred was subjected to both missiles and apparent racist abuse in the 67th minute of the match, when he went to take a corner kick.

A supporter appeared to make a monkey gesture towards one of the nearby United players, an incident the PA news agency said both clubs have been made aware of.

A Manchester City statement, via AP’s Global Sports Correspondent Rob Harris, said: 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.

READ MORE: Manchester United beat rivals City as reigning champions fall 14 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 07: Fred of Manchester United takes a corner kick after being hit by objects thrown by the Manchester City fans during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
The United midfielder was hit by a number of objects as he went to take the set piece. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Manchester United's Fred reacts after being hit by thrown objects during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
He was then hunched over as the referee and players went to investigate. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 07: Fred of Manchester United reacts after being struck by an item thrown by the Manchester City fans during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The abuse caused City players to try to calm down the crowd. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Officials from the Club are working with Greater Manchester Police 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.

That occurred during a fiery period as tempers boiled over in the stands, with further reports of missiles being thrown.

English football’s equality and inclusion organisation Kick It Out said in a statement: “We have been inundated with reports of alleged racist abuse from a number of individuals during this evening’s Manchester derby.

“We will be contacting both clubs to offer our support and hope swift action is taken to identify the offenders.”

With PA:Media.

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