Sebastien Bassong race jibe: Man released on bail after questioning

A man has been released on conditional bail after being questioned about alleged racial abuse towards a Norwich player at Swansea's Liberty Stadium.

Norwich manager Chris Hughton said a racial gesture had been made towards defender Sebastien Bassong during Saturday's Premier League match.

Police said a 23-year-old Swansea man had been released after questioning on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.

Officers are continuing to investigate.

The incident allegedly happened after Robert Snodgrass scored the visitors' fourth goal in the 77th minute in a match Swansea lost 4-3.

Cameroon international Bassong indicated to referee Howard Webb that he had been the victim of a racist gesture as he celebrated the goal with his teammates.

Webb referred the complaint to the fourth official and a male fan was then arrested.

"There was an incident after Norwich's fourth goal. Sebastien Bassong made the referee aware there was a racist gesture towards him from a Swansea City fan," said a Swansea spokesperson on Saturday.

"Within 10 minutes of the report, the stewards had got hold of the TV footage, replayed it, identified the alleged person in question and within that period, he was arrested for a racially aggravated public order offence.

"The matter is with the police, but from the club's point of view, we abhor racism and we have worked hard over the years to make this a family club.

"We will look into it and a further statement will follow in due course."

Speaking to reporters after the game, Norwich manager Chris Hughton said: "What I've been made aware of is that there was a gesture made towards Bassong.

"I have spoken to Seb and I know what the situation is, but Swansea dealt with it in the correct manner. It's now in the hands of the authorities."

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup said he had been unaware of the incident.

"I was concentrating on the game so I don't know anything," he said.

"I don't know anything about it but it's a thing we don't want in a game, not here and not anywhere."

A police spokesperson said on Sunday: "A 23-year-old man arrested for a racially aggravated public order offence at the Liberty Stadium has been released on conditional bail pending further enquiries.

"Officers are continuing to investigate the incident which took place during yesterday's game between Swansea City and Norwich."