A Manchester City fan arrested over claims he made monkey gestures at Manchester United midfielder Fred has defended himself against accusations of racism by saying he was “putting my hands in my pants”.

Anthony Burke, a 41-year-old army veteran from Manchester, is accused of making the gesture in the direction of Fred around the time the Brazilian was hit by a lighter thrown from the crowd as he went to take a corner in the 67th minute at the Etihad Stadium.

Fred claimed the alleged incident was evidence of a “backward society” and it prompted Pep Guardiola to seek out the United player after the game, the City manager seen cupping the player’s face during a short embrace when they exchanged words.

The Football Association has launched investigations into the alleged racist abuse and missile throwing and City have vowed to issue a lifetime ban to any fan if they are found guilty of racism.

United said they were offering “support” to Fred and his team-mate Jesse Lingard, who was also said to be impacted.

But Burke, a father and former soldier who apparently served in Northern Ireland with the Cheshire Regiment, took to Facebook on Saturday evening to protest his innocence.