Police investigate racial abuse claims from Brighton defender Connor Goldson at Derby

Goldson has alleged he was racially abused by a Derby fan in their 2-2 draw in the Championshi

BRIGHTON defender Connor Goldson claims he was racially abused while watching his side's 2-2 draw at Derby.

 

Police are investigating the matter that came to light when Goldson tweeted: "Always great being in the stand on a Saturday afternoon and being called a black bastard by a Derby fan with his child. Great day."

Derby condemned the incident in a statement. "Derby County are concerned to hear about allegations of racial abuse by a supporter directed at a Brighton & Hove Albion player during Saturday's game at the iPro Stadium," it read.

"We take these matters seriously and will be referring the allegations to the Police. Abuse of any kind has no place in the culture of Derby County Football Club."

 

Chris Martin's late penalty salvaged a point for Derby after unbeaten Brighton had twice taken the lead through James Wilson and Rajiv van La Parra.

At Loftus Road, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink watched his new charges earn a goalless draw against high-flying Burnley and was tipped as just the man to persuade star striker Charlie Austin his future lies in London.

Austin, who has eight goals this season, started on the bench due to a calf injury but he has been linked with a move in January.

Hoops midfielder Leroy Fer said: "I hope everybody stays together in January because we have a very strong team. If we keep going and keep building we can get into the play-offs or even the first two.

 

"Hasselbaink was a striker as well. He will know Charlie's strengths. Everybody knows Charlie's situation but I hope the gaffer can keep him here."

Hasselbaink added: "We know Charlie is a very good player but it is a squad game and about the team, not any individual. Of course we want to have an out-and-out striker, but it's about the collective."

Emile Heskey is refusing to throw in the towel as Bolton battle problems on the and off the pitch.

The latest crisis for a club facing administration was a 1-0 defeat at Hull that leaves them five points from safety, and Heskey said: "We need to keep plugging away and hopefully things will change.

"We have to stick together and drag ourselves through it. It isn't just the players - it's everyone. People are not getting paid and that's the groundstaff, the people who are cooking the food, people who are washing the laundry. We're all in the same boat and we need to pull through together."