Two arrests made as Manchester City defender received racist abuse during Champions League clash with Sevilla

Manchester City have released a statement on Thursday night confirming the arrest of two Sevilla supporters for racist abuse aimed at 17 year-old Rico Lewis.

The Premier League champions finished their UEFA Champions League group stage campaign with a 3-1 win over the Spanish side at the Etihad Stadium.

The La Liga club had brought with them a small contingent of travelling supporters, housed in the lower tier of the South Stand of the east Manchester venue.

Making his full first-team debut and first start in the Champions League was also Rico Lewis - the 17 year-old Manchester City academy graduate who has caught the eyes of many while rising through the ranks at the City Football Academy.

Rico Lewis became the fifth Englishman to start a Champions League match before turning 18 years-old.

The Radcliffe-born defender joined Jack Wilshere, Josh McEachran, Jude Bellingham, and his Manchester City teammate Phil Foden on the list.

It was a night to remember for the teenager, who not only glowed when called upon defensively, but also marked his first Champions League start with the equalising goal of the game.

However, the evening was unfortunately marred by an incident of racial abuse from a section of the travelling Sevilla support.

As per the information of the Mail's Jack Gaughan, the incident allegedly happened as Rico Lewis walked past the away end after his substitution with five minutes remaining of normal time in the game.

Two Sevilla fans have been arrested after a report of racist abuse towards Rico Lewis last night. Incident allegedly happened as he walked past the away end after substitution.

— Jack Gaughan (@Jack_Gaughan) November 3, 2022

A statement released on Manchester City's official club website read:

"Manchester City strongly condemns the racist abuse that Rico Lewis was subject to from Sevilla supporters at yesterday’s match.

"We understand that two arrests have been made and are continuing to work with Sevilla and GMP to investigate this matter.

"We will not tolerate discrimination of any kind at our stadium and will be offering our full support to Rico following these vile incidents."

Club Statement: Manchester City vs Sevilla FC

— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 3, 2022

On a positive note, Rico Lewis became the youngest player in Champions League history to score on his first start in the competition.

Specifically aged 17 years and 346 days, the Manchester City defender broke the record previously held by Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema - 17 years 352 days for Lyon vs Rosenborg in 2005.

City return to action on Saturday afternoon, as they host Fulham in the Premier League.

Chelsea (x2) across #ManCity's next six games. 🎬 pic.twitter.com/PNgMvuHVwr

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) November 3, 2022