Suspect in custody over racist abuse at Ligue 1 game

AFP  |  Lyon 

A suspect is being held in custody after captain complained of suffering racial abuse during Friday's game at

The goalless draw in was halted in the 78th minute as players from both sides stopped playing and headed towards the touchline after monkey chants were directed towards

"An inquiry is ongoing and a person is currently in custody in the wake of these events. His custody will be extended tonight, to allow further investigation," prosecutor said in a statement.

It was the latest in a string of incidents of racist abuse that have blighted this season, and prompted to urge authorities across the world to take a "zero tolerance" stance on racism.

"It's over," said after the game was interrupted. "We're not playing on. I'm taking off my team-mates. We're going to the changing room."

Following discussions between players, coaches and officials Gouano approached the stand by pointing toward supporters in the crowd. Play then resumed.

"We are in the 21st century, it's unacceptable, I marked the incident by stopping play because these days we are all equal," Gouano told French broadcaster after the game.

"I heard monkey sounds..." Gouano told reporters afterwards. "I turned around and there indeed was a man who was looking in my direction and who was continuing (to make the noises)."

league (LFP) strongly condemned the abuse and said it would explore legal options, while Dijon said they intended to press charges against the individual.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sun, April 14 2019. 14:05 IST