Post by Taxigirl on Oct 29, 2003 9:40:54 GMT
Two Queens Park Rangers fans have been arrested after former footballer Ian Wright was allegedly racially abused at Loftus Road.
Wright was involved in an alleged racism row after celebrating his son, Shaun Wright-Phillips' first goal in the Carling Cup.
The first QPR follower was arrested at half-time and was bailed until a later date.
A second supporter was arrested later in the match when a steward was racially abused and will be questioned later on Wednesday.
The Wright incident caused frantic scenes in the directors' box and overshadowed Manchester City's 3-0 victory in the third round of the cup.
Second Division QPR now face the prospect of a Football Association investigation.
Rangers chief executive David Davies said: "I can confirm there were a series of exchanges between Ian Wright and a spectator. He was being racist directly at Ian.
"I asked Ian to move away as a precautionary measure so it didn't escalate.
"Our security company removed the individual concerned from his seat and Ian and a series of witnesses gave statements to the police at half-time.
"The individual was formally arrested and taken away from the ground. It's now in the hands of the police and we'll see what comes from it."
Scotland Yard confirmed a man in his 40s was arrested in connection with an allegation of racial abuse.
City manager Kevin Keegan calmed the former striker down after he had barged past other VIPs to confront the QPR fan when his son scored the first of his two goals.
Keegan said: "It was an unfortunate incident and not what you want to see in football.
"You can't blame Ian for celebrating Shaun's goal and what the guy said to him was totally out of order."
Wright was involved in an alleged racism row after celebrating his son, Shaun Wright-Phillips' first goal in the Carling Cup.
The first QPR follower was arrested at half-time and was bailed until a later date.
A second supporter was arrested later in the match when a steward was racially abused and will be questioned later on Wednesday.
The Wright incident caused frantic scenes in the directors' box and overshadowed Manchester City's 3-0 victory in the third round of the cup.
Second Division QPR now face the prospect of a Football Association investigation.
Rangers chief executive David Davies said: "I can confirm there were a series of exchanges between Ian Wright and a spectator. He was being racist directly at Ian.
"I asked Ian to move away as a precautionary measure so it didn't escalate.
"Our security company removed the individual concerned from his seat and Ian and a series of witnesses gave statements to the police at half-time.
"The individual was formally arrested and taken away from the ground. It's now in the hands of the police and we'll see what comes from it."
Scotland Yard confirmed a man in his 40s was arrested in connection with an allegation of racial abuse.
City manager Kevin Keegan calmed the former striker down after he had barged past other VIPs to confront the QPR fan when his son scored the first of his two goals.
Keegan said: "It was an unfortunate incident and not what you want to see in football.
"You can't blame Ian for celebrating Shaun's goal and what the guy said to him was totally out of order."