Two teenagers have been arrested in relation to the racist abuse posted on Newcastle United player Sammy Ameobi's Twitter page.

The 19-year-old, along with the Premier League club, informed the authorities of the racist taunt earlier this week.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "On Wednesday, November 2 Northumbria Police arrested two young men, both aged 17, on suspicion of malicious communication.

"The arrests come after reports of a racist tweet being sent to one of the region's professional sportsmen."

The forward, who is the younger brother Shola Ameobi, forced his way into the Magpies first team at the end of last season.