The football match between Portsmouth and Oxford was interrupted after a racist comment was made

Police are investigating a report of racial abuse directed at an assistant referee which led to the temporary suspension of a Championship game.

The previous game between Portsmouth and Oxford at Fratton Park was abandoned in the 77th minute and an announcement was made over the public address system.

The abuse is believed to have come from either Block E or F in the North Lower area in a 1-1 draw.

Portsmouth FC are appealing for information from fans and said anyone found to be using racist insults will be subject to a significant ban from playing in the stadium.

It said they met with match officials after the game to discuss the incident and launched an immediate investigation, including a review of CCTV footage.

It added: “Football is for everyone and racism has no place in society.”

“We must all play a part in eliminating such behavior and ensuring that discrimination of any kind is not welcome at Fratton Park.”

It states that any person found to have made “racist or homophobic – or discriminatory – statements” will be subject to a significant ban from games at Fratton Park.

Oxford United also condemned the incident.

It says: “Racism plays absolutely no role in football or in society. We strongly condemn any form of racist and discriminatory language or insults on football pitches across the country.”

“Oxford United takes a zero-tolerance approach to racism and discrimination and we ask all fans to do their part to stamp out such behavior.”

Referee Lewis Smith will report the matter to the FA, Portsmouth FC said.

Anyone with information is advised to send a confidential email to Portsmouth FC or contact police.

Head coach John Mousinho told the BBC after the game: “Something was said to the linesman on the opposite side and I apologized to the linesman after the game if anything was said and I know it will be dealt with appropriately.”

“But as we saw from the Tannoy announcement, everyone here will definitely be determined to condemn this.”

Hampshire Constabulary said it had received a report of racist abuse directed at the assistant referee and was investigating the matter.