Ashley Cole racially abused while working as pundit during Swindon vs Man City

Wiltshire Police are investigating allegations of racist abuse directed at Chelsea legend Ashley Cole.

The alleged incident happened during Manchester City's 4-1 victory against Swindon Town at the County Ground on Friday.

Cole was part of ITV Sport's punditry team for the FA Cup third-round tie and was pitchside throughout the evening.

"We are aware that one person was subject to racial abuse at the County Ground following the Swindon Town vs Manchester City game last night," confirmed superintendent Phil Staynings, Wilshere Police's Swindon Hub Commander.

"We have already commenced an investigation, obtaining statements and securing CCTV. Further enquires in relation to this incident are ongoing.

"Behaviour of this nature is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Anyone with information should call 1-1 and quote crime reference number 54220002136."

Swindon Town have issued a statement of apology to Cole, who is currently England's U21 assistant manager.

"We are absolutely saddened and deeply disgusted by this, and we cannot stress strongly enough that racial abuse of any kind will not be tolerated by Swindon Town FC," said owner Clem Morfuni.

"Racism has no place in the world, and it is incredibly heartbreaking that this still has a place in our game. We are currently working with Wiltshire Police on gathering evidence, but those responsible will be punished accordingly.

"On behalf of everyone at Swindon Town FC, we send out our heartfelt apologies to Ashley Cole, and it is with our deepest regret that you had to experience that last night.

"Those few individuals do not represent Swindon Town and will not be welcome at the County Ground."

Cole suffered abhorrent racist abuse during his career and has previously admitted his regret at not speaking out against it.

"I couldn't do it because I thought no-one cares, and no one's going to listen," said the former England international in December 2019, as quoted by The Independent.

"Again, it is kind of my fault because when I got abused, I didn't come out, but I just didn't feel like I had enough support. I think Raheem [Sterling] has changed it and he's got the people at his side, where I didn't think I had that.

"I've had a lot said to me. My job is to play football, I'm paid to play football, I love the game of football, so I'd rather show them in a different way and play football.

"I'm not going to start the drama again, but of course it's happened."

The news comes after Michael Olise was struck with a bottle and homophobic chants were aimed at Conor Gallagher during Crystal Palace's FA Cup tie against Millwall at The Den on Saturday.

"Millwall Football Club has a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of discrimination and will investigate any incident of alleged abuse accordingly," said a Millwall spokesperson.

"As is club policy, any individual found guilty of discriminatory abuse is issued with an immediate lifetime ban."

Palace manager Patrick Vieira added: "We as a football club are against any kind of discrimination and of course this is not something we want to see on the field."