Woking condemn alleged racist abuse towards player during game at Southend

A crowd of 5,024 watched Tuesday's National League match at Roots Hall

Police are investigating a complaint by Woking of racist abuse aimed at one of their players during Tuesday's game at Southend United.

The club say the incident happened in the closing minutes at Roots Hall, where the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

A Woking statement referred to "disturbing incidents", "including, but not limited to, racial abuse".

Essex police said they were also "investigating reports of an assault and encroachment on to the pitch".

Inquiries are continuing and they have appealed for anyone with video footage or other information to come forward.

A Southend statement said: "The club are aware of a complaint of racism which has been made against one of our supporters.

"We take issues such as this very seriously and we are assisting the police with their enquiries into the allegation.

"Racism is abhorrent and we will take firm action against anyone who is identified as using racist language."

Following the game, Woking manager Darren Sarll told BBC Surrey there had been an attempted assault on a player by a spectator and the abuse occurred as the team were leaving the pitch at the end of the match.

"I have spoken to the police about both instances," he said.

Three Woking players and two from Southend were shown yellow cards during added time in a heated finish to the game.

Woking remain seventh in the National League table, while the result saw Southend drop to 13th.