Shocking footage has emerged of Atletico Madrid fans performing what appeared to be Nazi salutes during their match with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The Spanish champions took on Pep Guardiola's men in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash last night (Tuesday).
However, their visit has been marred by accusations of racism and violence by their 2,100 supporters. A video shot by a City fan showed a number of visiting fans on the front rows of the second tier of the South Stand of the Etihad, where some of the Atletico fans were housed, stood with their arms outstretched in front of them performing the salute whilst waving a flag.
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The Manchester Evening News understands reports of racism were made to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) at the game and that arrests were made. However, it is unclear how many at this stage. GMP have been approached for the comment.
The M.E.N also understands City are looking into the incidents from last night's game and will be reporting them to UEFA. Any formal investigation into the allegations, which could lead to sanctions on Atletico if proven, would be dealt with by UEFA.
There have also been, as yet unconfirmed reports, of a steward being attacked and of away fans spitting onto City supporters in the lower tier. One City fan called Nick, who was at the game, and was sitting close to the section of Atletico fans in the third tier of the South Stand said he was 'disgusted' by what he saw.
"It started straight away with them booing the taking of the knee" Nick said. Then every time Raheem Sterling came down the side of the pitch near them they were booing him as well. Then they were also doing Nazi salutes. I have no doubt at all that's what they were doing. It wasn't just one or two I'd say it was a good 10 percent of the fans.
"I was just disgusted really. Maybe I'm a bit naïve but I like to think things like this just don't happen anymore. We have had issues like this in the past from certain other sets of fans but to see it with my own eyes was just awful. To see the most disgusting fascist symbol that you could do, it just made me feel sick."
City take a 1-0 lead to next week's return leg in Madrid with Kevin De Bruyne's 70th minute goal separating the sides.
