A FOOTBALL match involving Taunton Town is the centre of a racism probe.

The Football Association confirmed it is investigating alleged racist comments made during the Peacocks' home game with Mangotsfield United.

Exact details of the alleged incident are subject to the governing body's investigation, but in a statement released by Mangotsfield, the club claims its players were racially abused on and off the field.

It read: “We can confirm that investigations include alleged racist comments. These alleged comments were made both on the field and from people attending the match.

“The club is seeking advice from the FA on how to support our players who were subjected to the alleged comments. This is a very difficult time for everybody connected to the club.”

In response, Taunton said: “We can confirm that the matter is currently subject to police and FA investigation which the club are fully co-operating with.

“Any allegations referred to in the public domain are pure supposition until the results of the investigation have been received and until that time the club will be making no further comment.”

The FA told the County Gazette it was aware of the allegations and it is something it is looking into.

The Calor League Division One South and West game was played on April 12, which Taunton won 2-1.

Mangotsfield had one player sent off towards the end of the match, with a further two players dismissed after the final whistle, all for violent conduct.

Police have since said they are investigating an alleged assault which happened at the club shortly after the game.

A spokesman from Avon and Somerset Police said: “At the end of the match, which was against a team from Mangotsfield, a man has reported being punched and kicked.

“He attended Musgrove Park Hospital for treatment to his injuries. An investigation is underway to establish the circumstances of the assault.”

Anybody who witnessed the incident should call police on 101 and quote 36706/14.