A tram passenger was punched in the face after challenging racist abuse from two men on a tram following Manchester United's FA Cup fourth round clash on January 26.

The 56-year-old man and his 21-year-old daughter were on the Metrolink at the Trafford Bar stop when the two men came on board at about 8.20pm, after United's clash with Fulham.

They started shouting racist abuse about people of Pakistani origin. When the victim challenged them, they punched him in the face and the back of his head several times.

When the tram pulled into the G-Mex stop the offenders calmly got off the tram. The man suffered two black eyes.

The first offender was described as white, in his mid to late 20s, about 5ft 8in tall, with brown eyes, tanned skin and wearing a blue woolen hat with a snowflake/winter design.

The second man was also white, in his mid to late 20s and said to be of a heavy build wearing a light coloured hat. Both men had local accents.

Police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward in an effort to identify the offenders.

Det Const Simon Johnson, of Stretford CID, said: "It is an appalling indictment that in 2013, people still hold racist views and feel the need to share their abhorrent comments with others.

"Racism should never be tolerated in any form and the victim should be applauded for having the tenacity to challenge these people about their disgraceful behaviour. Sadly, he was attacked for simply doing the right thing and sustained two black eyes for his troubles.

"This happened after the Manchester United v Fulham FA Cup match at Old Trafford so there would have been a lot of people using this tram leaving the match.

"If you did witness what happened or suspect you know who the offenders are, then we need to speak to you. This man did absolutely the right thing to challenge racist behaviour and he therefore deserves to have the same respect shown to him so please, if you do know something, please call us."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 9168 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.