North Yorkshire Police have arrested a 15-year-old boy in relation to racist social media messages directed at a Southport FC player, the club have confirmed in a statement.
It comes after the club confirmed that an unnamed player was subjected to racist abuse after the club’s away fixture at York City on 9 October.
The fixture at York City saw Southport defeated 3-1, with the club confirming two days later on Monday 11 October that they were made aware after the game that “one of our players having been subjected to online racial hatred and abuse on social media.”
A statement from Southport FC, mirrored by York City said: “Further to the statement we issued on Monday 11 October relating to one of our players having been subjected to online racial hatred and abuse on social media, we have been informed that North Yorkshire Police has executed a warrant and arrested a 15-year old male.
“Southport Football Club thanks North Yorkshire and Merseyside Police forces for their prompt actions in this regard and York City Football Club for its cooperation and assistance in this matter.
“We do not anticipate making further comment until the conclusion of the Police investigation and process.”