South Yorkshire Police "looking into the circumstances of the alleged incident"
Monday 5 August 2019 14:52, UK
Fulham are investigating an allegation that defender Cyrus Christie's sister was hit and racially abused by a fan during their 1-0 defeat to Barnsley on Saturday.
The Republic of Ireland international tweeted after the game: "To the Fulham fan that decided to hit my sister at the game today and his wife who justified his action with racist remarks I hope you're proud of yourself and feel like a big man.
"You'll get what's coming to you. Regardless how you felt about the result your actions are shameful."
The Championship club said in a statement: "Fulham Football Club is investigating an incident which took place in the away end at the Barnsley v Fulham fixture this afternoon.
"Should the perpetrators be identified, the club will be taking the strongest possible action."
The club added that they are working with "the relevant authorities to investigate exactly what took place."
South Yorkshire Police said on Monday: "Whilst no report of this incident has yet been received by police, we are aware of claims circulating on social media.
"We are looking into the circumstances of the alleged incident and are in the process of contacting Fulham Football Club to progress the matter."
Kick It Out condemned the incident, saying: "We are appalled to hear that the sister of Fulham's Cyrus Christie was subjected to alleged violence and racist abuse on Saturday, with Southend's Theo Robinson, Stoke's James McClean and Barnsley's Bambo Diaby targeted with unacceptable discriminatory abuse too.
"On the first weekend of the season, these incidents should be a reminder for everyone in football that racism and discrimination cannot be ignored.
"Clubs and the football authorities must be relentless in calling out this disgraceful behaviour, and be prepared to issue strong sanctions and education sessions to any supporter involved.
"We have contacted the clubs to offer our support to the players, are liaising with the police and have informed the FA of all the incidents, so that whoever is responsible can be brought to justice.
"Discrimination casts a shadow over football in this country, and we will not stop highlighting the problem while it remains rife in the game."
