London police drop racism case against fan

Published Dec. 13, 2012 4:29 p.m. ET

foxsports

London police are taking no further action against a man arrested after being pictured making an alleged racist gesture during a League Cup match between Chelsea and Manchester United

A spectator in the Chelsea supporters' end was seen making a monkey gesture during the home side's 5-4 extra-time victory over United last month.

But after reviewing video footage and taking witness statements, police and prosecutors decided to drop the case because of ''insufficient evidence'' required for a prosecution.

The Crown Prosecution Service said in a statement that ''to bring a charge for a racially aggravated public order offense we need to be able to prove in a court either that an individual's gestures demonstrate hostility towards the victim based on the victim's (race).''

The 28-year-old man had been banned from Stamford Bridge pending the outcome of the investigation.

''We're currently reviewing the situation,'' Chelsea said.