Norwich City have released a statement following the use of racist language towards manager Chris Hughton on a social media website.

A statement on the club's official website read:

'The club has been made aware of racist language about our manager Chris Hughton posted on an unofficial fans' Facebook page in the last few days and the matter has been reported to the Police as a hate crime.

'Following last weekend's victory for the Canaries away to Stoke, unacceptable terminology was used on the Facebook page '**OFFICIAL**!!! Ipswich - Norwich fans banter/insult/joke page'. It should be stressed the site is in no way officially affiliated to either club.

'Kick It Out, football's equality and inclusion campaign, have reported the comments made as a hate crime to the Police and Norwich City totally supports this stance. We are in dialogue with Kick It Out and Ipswich Town and will co-operate fully with the Police investigation into the incident.

We have a zero tolerance policy on racism and all other forms of discrimination and any supporter found guilty of racist abuse faces a lifetime ban from Carrow Road in addition to any punishment handed out by the courts.'

A statement from Kick It Out reads: 'Kick It Out was informed of a racist message posted about Norwich City manager Chris Hughton on an unofficial fans' Facebook page on Sunday (29 September), and instantly brought the incident to the attention of the Police via its online reporting facility True Vision. A response from the Police is now pending.

'The high level of abusive and discriminatory messages being posted on social media platforms is a growing concern for Kick It Out. Social media users at all levels of the game can assist in reporting incidents they witness online by informing the authorities via True Vision's website - www.report-it.org.uk/your_police_force.'