SOUTHPORT have revealed that one of their players was subject to “racial hatred and abuse” on social media following the club’s 3-1 defeat to York City at the LNER Community Stadium.

The club have chosen not to name the player in question and have stated that they have reported the matter to the police, York City and the National League.

“Soon after the end of Saturday’s game at York City, the club became aware of one of our players having been subjected to online racial hatred and abuse on social media,” a club statement said.

“Southport Football Club strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and was disgusted to learn of this incident.

“The club took immediate action by reporting this to the Police, York City Football Club and the National League and will continue to work with those bodies to bring the perpetrator to justice and to ensure as far as possible that this behaviour has no place within our beautiful game.

“In the meantime, we are doing all we can to support our player plus others in the squad affected by this.

“We will be making no further comment whilst investigations are ongoing.”

Writing on social media, York City also condemned the abuse and said that they are liaising with Southport and others during this case.

"We strongly condemn all forms of discrimination, and we are disappointed to learn of this incident - this behaviour has no place in society or football," said York on Twitter.

"We are liaising with Southport on the case, which has been reported to the relevant authorities, and are offering our help to support those affected by the incident."