Crawley Town Football Club has banned one of its supporters after fellow fans reported a match official had been racially abused.
Sussex Police is investigating the allegation which was made after the Reds’ League One game against Sheffield United at Broadfield Stadium on December 22.
Neither the official nor the referee’s assessor made a complaint on the day.
Crawley Town chief executive Richard Low said: “We are grateful to our supporters who made us aware of this unfortunate incident.
“The person concerned did subsequently come forward and has now been given a ban from the Broadfield Stadium.
“The length of the ban will be ratified once the club has met with the police and our safety officer next week.
“Racism or discrimination of any sort at the Broadfield Stadium is not acceptable and anyone who besmirches our name as a family friendly football club in this way will be severely dealt with.
“The ban is a club directive. We will also be assisting Sussex Police in an ongoing investigation of this incident.”
A spokesman for Sussex Police confirmed that officers had been made aware of the comment after the match had finished.
He appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident or who had information about it to contact them.
Sergeant Darren Taylorsaid: “Incidents of this nature will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.
“Unfortunately this incident was not brought to the attention of the police during the game, however, a full investigation will now be carried out.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 or, alternatively, contact the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.