A CRAWLEY Town player was subjected to 'racist abuse' by his own fans according to a club statement.
A Reds fan allegedly made racist comments aimed at winger Kevin James at Monday's game against Aldershot Town.
Speaking in a statement on Tuesday, club captain Tyrone Thompson blasted the minority that had attacked the James.
He said: "Abuse comes with the territory of being a professional footballer but on Monday afternoon this abuse stooped to a new low amidst allegations of racial abuse aimed at a Crawley town player.
"To make matters worse, this abuse is alleged to have come from a mini section of Crawley Town supporters."
Thompson urged supporters to show their full vocal support and get right behind the team on Thursday night when the Reds go up against Kidderminster Harriers at the Broadfield Stadium.
He said: "He is an individual who sets the highest of standards for himself, but also demands the highest of standards from those around him. "He is one of our most hardworking players and gifted, as captain of Crawley Town football club he has my full backing."
The club, which practices a zero-tolerance racism policy, could make an official report to police which would see the perpetrators potentially banned from Broadfield as well as stadiums around the country.
Sergeant Darren Taylor from Sussex Police said: "Crawley Town as a whole is a very, very family orientated club and if it is the case then it will be about identifying the person involved.
"Some clubs really suffer badly from racial abuse but Crawley Town has never been one of them."
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