Police investigating online racist abuse directed at Bristol City striker
Avon and Somerset Police is investigating after Bristol City forward Famara Diedhiou was racially abused on social media over the weekend.
The 27-year-old Senegalese striker posted a screenshot of a message containing three banana emojis on Twitter after City's 1-0 loss at Swansea on Saturday.
The message followed Diedhiou missing a penalty in the game.
In a statement, the force said: "We're aware of a racist social media message directed at a Bristol City FC player and a formal report has been made to us."
"Our football liaison officer has been in touch with the club to offer support and confirm an investigation will be carried out. They will be speaking to the affected player in due course to take more details and extend this support directly to him."
The Championship club has also posted on Twitter stating: "We stand with Famara Diedhiou and anybody who has to suffer racism in any shape or form. There is no excuse or justification for this disgusting behaviour."
Diedhiou is Bristol City's leading scorer this season with 13 goals in all competitions.