Chelsea statement: "Racism has no place at this club and where there is clear evidence of Chelsea season ticket holders or members involved in such behaviour, we will take the strongest possible action"
Thursday 15 August 2019 19:09, UK
The online racist abuse of Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham after the Super Cup against Liverpool has been called "disgusting" and "increasingly predictable" by Kick It Out.
The 21-year-old missed Chelsea's fifth spot-kick in their 5-4 penalty shootout defeat and reports later emerged showing the forward had been targeted on social media.
"Last night we received reports of racist abuse directed at Tammy Abraham on social media after Chelsea's UEFA Super Cup match," a statement from Kick It Out read.
"Such abuse is now increasingly predictable, but no less disgusting.
"We send our support to Tammy and reiterate our calls for Twitter and other social media companies to clamp down on this level of abuse.
"This is a call to action - we want to know what they are going to do to tackle this insidious problem."
In response to the online incident, a Chelsea club spokesperson has told Sky Sports News: "We are disgusted with the abhorrent posts we have seen on social media. Chelsea FC finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour unacceptable.
"It has no place at this club and where there is clear evidence of Chelsea season ticket holders or members involved in such behaviour, we will take the strongest possible action against them."
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has given his support to fellow English forward Abraham, following the incident.
Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell also tweeted after the game: "Can someone please tell me why Tammy Abraham gets racially abused for missing a penalty? Football is the excuse for some people."
There were four reported cases of racist abuse on the opening weekend of the EFL season.
Kick It Out condemned these cases, and have called on the Football Association and clubs to take action against the "disgraceful" incidents.
Queens Park Rangers U18s also walked off the pitch during a recent friendly in Spain after suffering alleged racist abuse from opposition players.
