Football match paused after racist comment

The incident happened during Portsmouth and Oxford's draw at Fratton Park

Police are investigating a report of racial abuse directed at an assistant referee which led to a Championship match being temporarily paused.

The Portsmouth and Oxford game at Fratton Park earlier was stopped in the 77th minute and an announcement made over the PA system.

The abuse is believed to have come from either Block E or F in the North Lower area during the 1-1 draw.

Portsmouth FC is appealing to supporters for information and said anyone found to have hurled racist abuse will receive a significant ban from matches at the stadium.

It said it met with match officials after the game to discuss the incident and launched an immediate investigation, including a review of CCTV footage.

It added: "Football is for all and racism has no place in society.

"We all have a role to play in eradicating such behaviour and ensuring that discrimination of any kind is not welcome at Fratton Park."

It said any person found to have made "racist or homophobic - or any discriminatory - remark" would receive a significant ban from matches at Fratton Park."

Oxford United also condemned the incident.

It said: "Racism has absolutely no part to play in football or society. We utterly condemn any form of racist and discriminatory language or abuse at football grounds across the country.

"Oxford United takes a zero-tolerance approach to racism and discrimination, and we ask all supporters to play their part in stamping out such behaviour."

Referee Lewis Smith will be reporting the matter to The FA, Portsmouth FC said.

Anyone with information is advised to email Portsmouth FC in confidence or contact the police.

Head coach John Mousinho told the BBC after the match: "There was something said to the linesman on the far side, and I apologised to the linesman after the game if anything was said, and I know that will be dealt with appropriately.

"But as we saw from the Tannoy announcement, everyone here will definitely be strong in condemning that."

Hampshire Constabulary said it received a report of racial abuse aimed at the referee’s assistant and was investigating the matter.