A Norfolk football club has banned two people and an investigation has been launched after racist comments were made towards one of its players.
Sheringham Football Club, who play in the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties Premier Division, confirmed the situation on Monday evening.
"As soon as the club were made aware, we acted to remove two individuals involved from all football and interaction with the club.
"The player targeted has been supported by the club's management team and welfare staff.
"Norfolk FA were also made aware of the incident, and they are currently investigating the matter.
"Sheringham Football Club will not tolerate any form of discrimination."
The north Norfolk club has not confirmed the names of the two people under investigation at this stage.
The victim, Lagshan Sivakumar, has posted screenshots of an online group chat about him using racist language and discussing physical abuse after his decision to also play for Hethersett Athletic - also known as Norwich Sweeders - who play in the Norwich and District Sunday League Premier Division.
Mr Sivakumar, an attacking midfielder who previously played for Harleston, signed for Sheringham this summer.
He posted his own statement, which said: "I was racially abused by members of my own team. Members of a team that I had respect for, that I valued as players and most of all, were aware of the abuse I received literally days before.
"You can imagine my shock when I got shown these messages from the Young Boys [another Norwich Sunday League team] group chat.
"A group chat of people, some of which I know, some of which I don't.
"Regardless, they threatened to jeopardise my abilities as a player and single me out because of the colour of my skin."
Hethersett have also shown their support for Mr Sivakumar, via their @FCSweeders Twitter account.
The club has released the following statement: "We are absolutely devastated with the events that have now been made public. Laggy (Sivakumar) has only been with us for a few weeks but is a good friend to many of the team.
"All 70 people in the group chat stand up and support him in any way and every way possible.
"Following this, our game Sunday against Young Boys we have decided to postpone while this is being investigated.
"Unfortunately, racism is an everyday occurrence and we stand united against it."
Norfolk County Football Association has been approached for a comment.
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