'I'm no racist': Army veteran Manchester City fan, 41, arrested over claims he made monkey gestures at United star Fred says: 'It was me putting my hands in my pants'

A Manchester City fan arrested over claims he made monkey gestures at United star Fred said he was not racist and was 'putting my hands in my pants'.

Anthony Burke, a 41-year-old Army veteran from Manchester, appeared to be motioning towards the Brazilian footballer during yesterday's derby.

But the father and ex-soldier, who served in Northern Ireland with the Cheshire Regiment, wrote on Facebook last night: 'Listen, I'm only racist c*** because I had a screen shot that made me look it.

'However I ain't racist, watch the match half of it was me with me putting my hands in my pants.'

He added: 'Bullsh** not ar*** I know the true and I've already made appointment to speak to the police which I did so think what you like.'

Burke's ex-partner told MailOnline he was arrested this morning.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed a 41-year-old man had been remanded in custody, but would not be drawn on his identity.

Yet Amy, from Wythenshawe, Manchester, said: 'He is with the police - he has been arrested.

'He was arrested this morning. He doesn't live with me. It's horrible - I have had death threats and my kids.

'I have been in tears. I am really surprised - this is not like him - his family are black. I keep watching the footage back and I can't say whether he's done it or not. Has he done it or hasn't he done it?

'I just can't say and I haven't spoken to him.' 'It's amazing how you can get famous for the wrong thing.'

This pictured Manchester City fan appeared to make the racist remarks and gestures

The father appears to have served in Northern Ireland with the British Army and according to his social media is a civil engineering manager at Kier Group

Burke

But the father and ex-soldier, who served in Northern Ireland with the Cheshire Regiment, wrote on Facebook last night: 'Listen, I'm only racist c*** because I had a screen shot that made me look it'

Burke's (pictured) ex-partner has told Mailonline he was arrested this morning by police

Burke

Burke (one place to the left of steward on the right) appeared to make monkey noises and gestures towards Fred

it is believed the father served in the British Army in Northern Ireland and is a civil engineering manager at Kier

The die-hard Manchester City fan has been arrested this morning, his ex-partner has said

Burke

Kier Group, which Burke worked for as a civil engineering manager, tweeted he has been suspended pending an investigation.

Players were targeted with racist abuse and had objects thrown at them by City fans during the Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.

Following United's 2-1 victory, winger Jesse Lingard tweeted: 'Not even this idiot can ruin tonight's feeling, shameful behaviour, it may be the derby but there is never ever a reason to be racist!'

Striker Marcus Rashford posted: 'Can't beat a derby win. Stood up to EVERYTHING thrown at us & got what we deserved.'

And Ashley Young added: 'Should never have to post anything like this because I'd have thought it's obvious but racism has no place in football or society.

'Kudos to @ManchesterCity for the swift statement, I hope the individual is properly dealt with.'

More than one Manchester United player is understood to have been racially abused

But the only known incident so far is of a fan appearing to target Fred when he went to take a corner

Footage firstly appeared to show a Manchester City fan making monkey gestures at Fre 

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Sportsmail understands the incident was seen by United officials on their phones and passed on to stewards who reported it to the control centre where all the CCTV is.

Fred had already been struck by a water bottle and lighter thrown by a City fan and was then seen clutching his neck in pain.

He had gone over to take a corner kick just after the hour mark where he was met by many disgruntled home fans.

The City supporters then began to jeer the United midfielder before beginning to throw objects in his direction - with a couple striking him.

City fans continued to cause unsavoury scenes during the corner kick due to frustration their side were 2-0 down. 

The Manchester United midfielder was subjected to gestures as well from the supporter

Manchester City insist they are aware of the situation and will help with enquiries

Premier League releases #NoRoomForRacism campaign with 20 top players

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After the game, Fred said: 'Unfortunately, we are still in a backward society. [It is a shame] we still have to live with that in 2019. On the field, I didn't see anything. I saw it only in the locker room afterwards.