CORONATION Street fans have hit out at Craig Tinker after he defended a racist police officer to his victims.
The officer – who is played by actor Colson Smith in the ITV soap – witnessed the racist arrest of James Bailey by PC Brody for nothing more than the colour of his skin.
Professional footballer James was left injured in the incident – which only stopped when Brody discovered James was famous.
However, Craig’s lack of action left fans enraged.
He said nothing to support James and Michael – even after it was clear he saw them driving along very carefully.
And when James confronted him, he tried to weasel out of it – and even ended up defending Brody.
He told James and Michael: “I am just sorry that it had to come to this in the first place.
“It is awful when stuff like this happens. For what it’s worth, I don’t think this was… I know PC Brody and he wouldn’t have meant it because he’s not…”
Michael tore a strip off Craig as he defended the racist officer.
He was humiliated, and left muttering: “If there’s anything you need just let me know.”
Michael then tried to convince James to make a formal complaint about PC Brody’s actions.
But he couldn’t do it – insisting because he is black, gay and working class that it would be too much of a fight for him to take on.
However later he changed his mind after a video of his arrest was posted online and he suffered a barrage of racist comments.
He said: “Someone’s posted it online.
“You seen the comments? Hashtag playing the race card. How the hell have they turned it on us? We’re the victims.”
Michael pressed him to report it – but fans were still angry about Craig backing the racist.
One wrote: “”I’m just sorry it had to come to this. I know PC Brody & he wouldn’t of meant it” Really Craig? Should never of happened in the first place though should it?”
A second said: “Craig needs to do the right thing and report his fellow officer.”
Another added: “Is Craig going to do the decent thing and put in a formal complaint about that copper’s behaviour?”
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.hellofaread.com/soap-opera/les-dennis-reveals-he-saves-his-toe-nail-clippings-to-use-as-toothpicks/