Burton Albion "sickened and saddened" by racist abuse of player on social media

League One side Burton Albion have said they are "sickened and saddened" after one of their players was subjected to racial abuse.

The incident occurred on social media, in the aftermath of Burton's goalless draw at home to Wigan Athletic on Tuesday night.

A club statement, published on the Brewers' website on Wednesday, said: "Burton Albion Football Club is sickened and saddened by vile racist abuse suffered by one of its players following last night's game.

"A string of abusive comments appeared on one of the club's official social media platforms after the game, left by a user under a post containing a single image of the player in question.

"The club immediately took steps to report the abusive comments to Instagram and restrict and block the account in question, while reporting the incident to Staffordshire Police, the EFL, Kick It Out and other relevant parties.

"The player in question has been contacted and offered the club's wholehearted support - and we will continue to offer that now and in the future.

"Burton Albion has a zero tolerance policy for any form of discriminatory abuse, online or offline, and condemns any such abuse in all its forms. Discriminatory abuse, comments and attitudes have no place at our club, in football or society in general and we will not hesitate to take the strongest possible action where such abuse is found.

"We also wish to note that the user in question appears to have no clear connection to either club featuring in last night's game. Burton Albion is proud to support the EFL's Together Against Discrimination campaign."

The incident is the latest in a long line of racial abuse aimed at players online. Back in October League Two side Port Vale investigated after numerous racist messages were sent to a Leyton Orient player following a game between the two sides.

Orient's Lawrence Vigouroux shared screenshots of vitriolic messages sent directly to him on his social media channels.

The goalkeeper shared the images, along with the caption: "Football such a beautiful game ruined by people like this." Vale released a short statement, saying: "We are aware of an abusive message sent privately to a Leyton Orient player. Port Vale Football Club will not tolerate abuse of any kind towards officials, players, staff or supporters. The club is investigating."

Tuesday's stalemate at the Pirelli Stadium should end any lingering relegation doubts for Burton, whilst moving Wigan a step closer to the Championship. Albion manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said: "We should have won tonight. We were tremendous. We had lots of chances, good chances.

"Wigan are a very good team. They are not top of the league because of luck. They are at it week-in, week-out and they have good players and a good team ethic. But we made them look ordinary today and I think we should have won."