Police are investigating alleged racist comments made towards an assistant referee during Portsmouth’s 1-1 draw with Oxford on Saturday.
During the second half of the clash at Fratton Park Bhupinder Singh Gil informed referee Lewis Smith of alleged offensive remarks made towards him.
The game was subsequently paused as an announcement was made over the tannoy warning supporters in attendance about bad behaviour.
‘A discriminatory comment was made to the linesman,’ Smith confirmed following the game.
Portsmouth subsequently released a statement on their website appealing for information regarding the incident.
It read: ‘Portsmouth FC are appealing for information from supporters after a racist comment was heard at today’s game.
An investigation has been launched after an alleged racist comment was directed at an assistant during Portsmouth’s draw with
‘The match was stopped in the 77th minute after the comment was directed at one of the referee’s assistants from either Block E or F in the North Lower.
‘The club met the match officials after the game to discuss the incident and have launched an immediate investigation, including a review of CCTV footage in the area. The referee has confirmed the incident will be reported to The FA.
‘Anybody with information about this incident should email the club in confidence at [email protected] with any relevant details that might help us with our investigation.
‘Fans can also call Hampshire Police on 101, quoting the crime reference number ‘44240432868’.
‘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.
‘Any individual found to have made any racist or homophobic – or any discriminatory – remark will receive a significant ban from attending matches at Fratton Park.’
Speaking following the game, Pompey boss John Mousinho revealed he had apologised to the linesman.
Pompey boss John Mousinho said he had apologised to the linesment following the incident
‘I think there was something said to the linesman on the far side,’ he said.
‘I’ve apologised to the linesman after the game if anything was said and I know that it will be dealt with appropriately.
‘We heard the tannoy announcement and everyone here will condone it.’
Oxford head coach Des Buckingham added: ‘It is not my place to say. There were comments made which the referee felt he needed to report but I’ll leave it to the referees to sort.’