Watched the video this morning for the first time - totally missed the incident live to be honest. If he's saying it wasnt a racist gesture then, after seeing the footage, I think there is insufficent evidence to prove it was. He could be putting his hands in his pocket or making an emotive gesture which isn't racist. How do you prove either, and in this country it is innocent until proven guilty. Not sure if there is any sound with the video either, only seen the visual, maybe that makes a difference? Hope those stewards around him have a clear memory of what they saw and heard, that coudl help get to the truth.
Hopefully everyone can take a deep breath this Monday morning and do this properly. If he has done it then proving it will be hard, but on the other hand the club and others may choose to take action anyway. But regardless, I very much dislike theis trial by social media and would happily see those who publish names etc dealt with harshly also. They could be ruining not just his life, but that of his partner, child and family. Of course he is going to deny it, he stands to lose everything, but what if it was a misinterpreted gesture?
Regarding football's racism problem in general, i feel there are two issues. The first is the underlying racist tendancies of some fans coupled with the exposure to the subject recently. Dealing with that needs education and, certainly, visible punishment. Although i and many others disike it, the reaction to this indicent on social media probably means that the likelihood of a racist incident again at City this season, is less. Not that you'd expect it normally anyway, but it is now shockingly evident to all, especially in and around Manchester and Manchester CIty, of the consequenses of such actions - unemployment, loss of your family, exclusion from the club you follow and personal abuse for you and your loved ones, mental anguish. And that is regardless of whether he meant it or not - he was percieved to have meant it.
But the other is, knowing the above is factor and not pretending it doen't exist, the FA and GMP have a duty of care to the fans and players themselves to try and prevent such incidents. Racism won't stop overnight, but you can limit its potential to be visible. As alcohol removes inhibitions then it is always likley that alcohol will make someone with the above triats more likley to expose their inner feelings and so something like this. Therefore, it is perfectly reasonable, if not a neglect of duty to do so, for those officials respsonsible to put the brakes on a late afternoon Saturday kick off.