Former Manchester United player Andy Cole was racially abused yesterday on an Aer Lingus flight.

The 42-year-old had been in Dublin for an appearance on Seatanta Sports and was going to Manchester when the incident occurred.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police has  said that officers boarded the plane at 10.30am and arrested the men.

He added: "Two men have been charged after officers were called to Manchester Airport in relation to an inbound flight from Dublin.

"Gregory Horan, 26, of no fixed abode, has been charged with being drunk in an aircraft and Lee Patrick Byrne, 28, from Dublin, Republic of Ireland has been charged with a racially aggravated public order offence.

Andy Cole has played for both Manchester United and England

"They were due before Trafford Magistrates' Court on Monday 30 December 2013.

"Officers were responding to reports that a 42-year-old man was being subjected to racial abuse while on the plane, and that two passengers were drunk and would not cooperate with cabin staff."

Aer Lingus have not made any comment on the matter.