South Wales man arrested over Muamba tweets

A man has been arrested after allegedly making racist remarks on Twitter relating to critically ill soccer star Fabrice Muamba.

A 21-year-old man from Pontypridd, south Wales, was arrested in connection with the alleged offence earlier today.

The Premier League player, 23, is fighting for his life in hospital after suffering a heart attack and collapsing during an FA Cup tie.

Horrified fans watched live on TV as the Bolton Wanderers midfielder fell to the ground during the quarter final away clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

Thousands of well-wishers have expressed their sympathy since the tragic incident during yesterday's early evening match.

Today a steady stream of fans visited the club's Reebok Stadium home to place flowers, shirts and other tributes at the ground.

Thousands more have left messages of support on a series of Get Well Soon Fabrice Muamba tribute pages set up on Facebook.

Now it appears the wave of public sympathy for the player's plight is not 100 per cent unanimous.

South Wales Police released a statement today confirming the arrest of a man for making "racially offensive" comments on Twitter.

Officers would not confirm that critically ill Mr Muamba was the target of the alleged Twitter remarks.

But the release of such a statement in itself can be seen as confirmation of a sort.

Police forces throughout the UK regularly take action against those who use Twitter to express racially offensive remarks.

The practice is so common that none feel the need to issue a public statement indicating it has happened.

"South Wales Police have arrested a 21-year-old male from the Pontypridd area in connection with racially offensive comments made on the social network site Twitter," the statement reads.

"The male is currently being held in custody at Swansea Central Police Station."

PA