Police actively investigating 'abhorrent' racial abuse at AFC Telford v Leyton Orient
An AFC Telford fan accused of making racist comments against a Leyton Orient will be dealt with "robustly" when caught, police have said.
Superintendent Paul Moxley, Telford's local police commander, said "abhorrent" racist behaviour was completely unacceptable.
His comments come after AFC Telford confirmed they would be investigating the troubles at the club's match on Saturday.
A number of reports have also been made regarding clashes between fans.
Objects were also thrown into the pitch and towards the away dugout. The FA have been informed.
Superintendent Moxley said: "We are actively investigating the events on Saturday including a report of racist comments being directed towards a Leyton Orient player.
"Such behaviour is totally unacceptable and I would appeal directly to those in the crowd on Saturday who heard or saw this to contact Telford Police and help us take action against the offender.
"With the help of genuine fans we will be in a positive position to deal robustly with the individual concerned and work to stamp out such abhorrent behaviour."
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Leyton Orient also issued a statement about the problems on the pitch, saying it would fully support the investigations.
The statement said: "The club can confirm a number of objects were thrown at members of the playing staff and backroom staff by members of the crowd during Saturday's FA Trophy match against AFC Telford United.
"We are also aware of several reports of racial abuse directed at a member of our squad.
"We will fully support AFC Telford United and the relevant authorities with the investigation into these incidents."
In a statement yesterday, Telford United said it would share information with police so that criminal proceedings can be considered.
"As a football club we will not tolerate behaviour which brings our name into disrepute, and we are committed to taking action wherever we have evidence," the club said.
It has marred what was an occasion that saw the Bucks attract their biggest crowd in recent years.
Telford lost 2-1 to Leyton Orient, missing out on a Wembley appearance at the final hurdle.
