Merseyside Police have released a statement confirming that a suspect from the North Wales area is being questioned over allegations that he made racist gestures in the FA Cup game between bitter rivals Liverpool and Manchester United.

The 59-year-old suspect was captured on television making the alleged gesture and this image has since been circulated on social media websites instigating numerous complaints to the police force. In the image, the fan appears to be making ‘monkey’ gestures at Patrice Evra. He was picked up and questioned a few hours after the match on Saturday.
Officers later confirmed they were investigating the incident.

A force spokesman said: “Merseyside Police can confirm that a 59-year-old man from the North Wales area has been arrested following an alleged incident at the Liverpool versus Man U match.
“The man has been taken to a police station and will be questioned by officers. Merseyside Police would like to thank North Wales police and Liverpool Football Club for their assistance with this matter.”

If found guilty of these charges, the suspect could face a lifetime ban from Anfield, and may well be banned from other football grounds in the country.

Liverpool narrowly edged victory in this hard-fought game, the first between the adversaries since Luis Suarez was found guilty by the FA of racially abusing Utd captain Patrice Evra, and received an 8-match ban.

Liverpool have faced a great deal of criticism from football’s anti-racism campaigners for their public support for the player and the way in which they have handled the whole situation. Their fans booed Patrice Evra throughout the entire game on Saturday and this latest incident is not likely to do the club’s image any favours.