Middlesbrough slam 'vile and unacceptable' racial abuse directed at Yannick Bolasie on social media

Bolasie was subjected to abuse on social media on Wednesday and the club has been quick to give him their support.

The incident has been reported to the relevant authorities by the club and Bolasie.

Boro have stressed “any individuals who are identified to us will not only face the prospect of criminal charges but will also be banned from the Riverside Stadium”.

A Middlesbrough statement read: "Middlesbrough FC has re-emphasised our zero-tolerance attitude towards discrimination in all forms.

“The racial abuse directed to Yannick Bolasie on social media yesterday is vile and unacceptable, and demonstrates exactly why more has to be done to identify the perpetrators of such comments and to bring them to justice.

“The matter has been reported to the relevant authorities by both Yannick and ourselves and he has our full support.

“It is of great concern to the club that we are witnessing behaviour of this type and it cannot be allowed to continue.

“As our players said when responding to the debate on taking the knee we now need to see demonstrable actions from those who have the power to implement them rather than further gestures. Actions must speak louder than words.

“We repeat that we will not tolerate abuse of any form and any individuals who are identified to us will not only face the prospect of criminal charges but will also be banned from the Riverside Stadium.

“The MFC family stands together as one to unite against all forms of discrimination.”