Oldham Athletic player denies racially abusing a ball boy

An unnamed Oldham Athletic player has denied allegations that he racially abused a ball boy during his side's League One clash yesterday.

The club has been informed that South Yorkshire police will be investigating the allegations, but Oldham denied the accusation in a short statement.

It read: "The player has categorically denied the allegation. The club and his teammates are fully supportive of him."

The player in question is believed to be Lee Croft, who was involved in an altercation with a ball boy close to the end of the game.

The boy had kicked the ball away while Croft had been trying to receive it. The Oldham player then shouted at the boy, who was visibly upset and refused an apology later.

The match ended 1-1.