Son of Andy Cole 'racially abused' while playing for Manchester City youth team

Devante Cole was allegedly targeted in a game against Atletico Madrid in last week's Youth League

Devante Cole (GETTY IMAGES)

Uefa have charged Atletico Madrid over the alleged racial abuse of the son of former England star Andy Cole by supporters and a player during last week’s Youth League against Manchester City.

Devante Cole, the goalscorer as City’s Elite Development Squad beat the Spaniards 1-0 to book a place in the last eight of the new competition, is thought to have been subjected to persistent abuse and to have been spat at as he left the field at the end of the game.

In line with new Uefa rules governing racism at games, an official from the governing body appealed for an end to the abuse in a half-time tannoy announcement. But the hostility continued.

The City website report of the game hinted at the hostile atmosphere last week. “A first-half strike from Devante Cole was enough for the young blues to overcome a determined Atletico side in front of a vocal home crowd eager to play their part in intimidating Patrick Vieira’s men,” the report stated.

Uefa said it had opened disciplinary proceedings for “improper conduct and racist behaviour” under Article 11 of the governing body’s code of conduct. The case will be dealt with by Uefa’s Control and Disciplinary Body, on 20 March.