Everton

Teenager arrested for alleged racist behavior during FA Cup tie

Published Feb. 3, 2016 9:46 a.m. ET

foxsports

Police have arrested a 15-year-old male on suspicion of racist behaviour in the FA Cup fourth-round tie between Carlisle and Everton.

The Football Association and Cumbria Police launched an investigation after Everton players Arouna Kone and Steven Pienaar alleged they were subjected to racist abuse from the Warwick Road End stand at Brunton Park during the game last weekend.

The male, from Carlisle, has been arrested on suspicion of racially/religiously aggravated intentional harassment/alarm/distress by words contrary to Section 4a of the Public Order Act and has been bailed until March 9.

A statement from Cumbria Police issued after the game said: "Cumbria Constabulary are investigating allegations of racist behaviour... directed towards Everton players following the first goal.

"Hate crime will not be tolerated in this county and any allegation will be fully investigated."

The FA vowed to deal with the issue as a matter of urgency and said in a statement: "We have received the referee's report regarding the alleged incident during the game between Carlisle United and Everton.

"We have contacted both clubs and will be conducting an immediate and thorough investigation.

"The FA strongly condemns any discriminatory behaviour and will continue to work with partners across the game to combat it whenever it arises."

Everton manager Roberto Martinez said: "We will help the police, Carlisle and everyone to make sure that it doesn't happen again.

"The referee, I thought, handled the situation really well. The last thing you want is to allow the game to be an exercise to abuse, and those sort of remarks have got no space, not just in football, in life in general.

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