Chelsea fan accused of making ‘monkey’ gesture at Stamford Bridge is arrested
Gavin Kirkham, the Chelsea fan seen making an apparent monkey gesture from the Stamford Bridge stands during Chelsea’s 5-4 win over Manchester United, has been arrested over the allegations.
Scotland Yard said the 28-year-old man, photographed in the Matthew Harding stand apparently raising his hands to his armpits in a gesture aimed at United’s black striker Danny Welbeck, was arrested this afternoon after attending a west London police station by appointment.
A spokesman said: “He was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated Section 4a Public Order Act offence and currently remains in custody at the west London police station. Inquiries continue.”
Detectives have been investigating a complaint regarding alleged racist behaviour at Stamford Bridge on October 31 during Chelsea’s Capital One Cup win over United.
Named last week, Kirkham was asked if he wanted to comment to which he said: “Not at the moment, no.”
He added that was too busy “trying to earn a living” and stated that he had not been contacted by police officers of Chelsea officials. He told reporters to “call me tomorrow”.