Thursday 27 August 2015 17:35, UK
Police in Hampshire have confirmed they have received a formal complaint relating to allegations of abusive chanting at Portsmouth’s Capital One Cup tie against Reading on Tuesday.
Supt Kelly Whiting said: "Hampshire Constabulary has now received a formal complaint in relation to a report about chanting at Fratton Park on August 25.
"Match officials raised concerns at half time about chanting believed to be directed towards a player from Reading and police officers were deployed appropriately to assist stewards with this issue.
"Further chanting was not heard and officers were not required to take any action. Hampshire Constabulary has a zero tolerance approach towards verbal abuse which could be seen as racist or homophobic in these circumstances, however no individual was identified.
"Contact has been made with the player concerned and a formal complaint has also now been received in relation to this matter. A thorough investigation will now be carried out jointly by Hampshire Constabulary and Portsmouth Football Club".
The Football Association has launched its own investigation into the matter.
An FA spokesperson said on Wednesday: "We are aware of an allegation and are investigating. We have contacted both clubs."
