Brentford football stars Ivan Toney and Rico Henry have claimed their families were racially abused by Everton fans on Sunday.
The incident is alleged to have occurred during Brentford's 3-2 Premier League win against Everton at Goodison Park.
Speaking on Twitter after the game, Toney said: “And for the man that racially abused my family I’ll do everything I can to get you the punishment you deserve!”
Replying to the forward’s tweet, Everton Football Club said: “There is no place in football - or society - for racism. We are assisting Merseyside Police to ensure the individual is identified and dealt with appropriately."
Brenford footballers Ivan Toney (left) and Rico Henry
PA
Everton Football Club have condemned the alleged incident
Bradley Collyer
Defender Henry quickly followed Toney to write: “I never usually speak out on things that don’t physically harm me or my family but to see my mom upset after being racially abused by a few Everton fans brought fire to my stomach!”
He added: “I will do anything for them & whatever it takes to get the small minority punished! This is not acceptable & must be investigated immediately.”
In a statement, Brentford FC said: “We are aware of an incident where racist abuse was directed towards family members of our players. A report has been made to both the police and to Everton FC.
“Brentford FC condemns all forms of discrimination and racist abuse in the strongest possible terms. We will offer our support to Rico’s and Ivan’s families and will fully co- operate with the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings."
Merseyside Police said in a statement: "We are investigating reports that the families of two Brentford players were racially abused in Liverpool on Sunday.
"Allegations that a man directed racial abuse were made following the Premier League match between Everton and Brentford at Goodison Park."
While Detective Inspector Catherine Cox added: "No matter what football team you support, there is absolutely no place for hate anywhere in Merseyside under any circumstances.
"Merseyside Police has investigated and successfully prosecuted so-called fans for racial abuse inside football stadia, and offenders have been handed football banning orders along with a criminal record for their behaviour.
"We will support the victims in this case and work with Everton Football Club to find those responsible and bring them to justice. Their views and their abuse is not welcome here in Merseyside, and they do not represent the overwhelming majority of football fans.
"I would like to take this opportunity to encourage any football fans with information on racial abuse to speak with officers or stewards at the ground, or call 101 so we can identify and locate offenders, and ensure they face the consequences of their actions."