Exeter City investigating alleged 'discriminatory comment' made to Cobblers player

The match was played at the Grecians' St James Park stadium, with the Devon club welcoming supporters back to the ground for the first time since the spring.

The Cobblers won the match 2-1 thanks to goals from Danny Rose and benny Ashley-Seal, but both clubs released statements on Wednesday morning referring to the incident that was reported to the match referee, Carl Brook.

Brook did speak to both an Exeter and Cobblers player at the time, and also spoke to managers Keith Curle and Matt Taylor.

Exeter have said they are working to ascertain exactly what happened, and teaming up with the police as they look to 'take the matter further'.

The statement from the Grecians read: "Exeter City Football Club has been made aware of a report of a suspected discriminatory comment from a member of the crowd at last night’s match against Northampton Town.

"The comment was aimed towards a visiting player and was reported to the referee who spoke to a player on each side and both managers.

"Exeter City takes a zero-tolerance policy on this matter and the club is working with the Police, Northampton Town and the match officials to get a better understanding of the incident and take the matter further."

A club spokesperson added: “The club works tirelessly to make sure that Exeter City is an inclusive and diverse club, and that St James Park is welcoming to everyone, regardless of race, identity, gender, sexual orientation or disability. Discrimination is not welcome at our club.”

The Cobblers also issued a statement, which read: "Northampton Town Football Club are aware of an alleged discriminatory comment made by a supporter towards one of our players at Tuesday's Papa John's Trophy tie with Exeter City.

"This was reported by our player to the match referee in the correct way so the matter can be investigated and we will continue to support that process with both the authorities and Exeter City Football Club.

"The player concerned has the club's complete support in this matter."