Police have launched an investigation after a player was allegedly racially abused during a non-league football game.
Hampshire officers are making inquiries into allegedly abusive comments made by a member of the crowd to a player from Barwell AFC during their match against AFC Totton on Saturday.
The target of the alleged abuse was Amro Khanid, Barwell's reserve goalkeeper.
The Mercury has been told a fan, believed to be an AFC Totton supporter, was ejected from the Testwood Stadium after using foul and allegedly abusive language towards the 22-year-old player in the dugout.
The incident, which saw the men square up to each other, happened towards the end of the Southern League Premier Division clash, which saw two players sent off as Barwell lost 2-1.
Barwell club secretary Shirley Brown said: "I did not see anything, but heard about it after the game. Amro was very upset about it."
Barwell press officer Merv Nash said he had also been told of the alleged abuse after the game.
He said: "I did not see anything at the time but was told about it in the clubhouse after the game."
A spokesman for Hampshire police said: "The matter is under investigation following an allegation made by Barwell AFC.
"The player involved has not made a complaint, but the nature of the alleged offence is such that we would investigate.
"Any form of racial abuse is a serious matter and we are treating this alleged incident in that manner.
"We would appeal to anyone who thinks they saw or heard anything in relation to this incident to contact us."
AFC Totton chairman Paul Wallace issued an apology to Barwell.
Mr Wallace said: "The executive committee of AFC Totton are currently conducting an in-depth internal investigation into the alleged incident, and until such times as the full facts have been established and proven, we cannot comment further on the matter.
"However, we shall co-operate and respond fully to any police inquiries, and would state that AFC Totton do not, and will not, condone any form of abuse or misbehaviour at the Testwood Stadium, whether by its own, or visiting supporters.
"We are deeply sorry that such an incident is alleged to have occurred and, on behalf of the club, offer our sincere apologies to Barwell FC, and to Amro Khanid, in particular."
