Rochdale FC striker D’Mani Mellor issues statement following alleged racist abuse at Stockport County match

An investigation has been launched after Rochdale AFC player D’Mani Mellor was alleged to have been the victim of racist abuse following yesterday's match against Stockport County.

Rochdale AFC were relegated from the Football League on Saturday (April 22) after being defeated by the Stockport club at their home ground Edgeley Park.

Wycombe Wanderers striker D'Mani, 22, who is signed on loan to the Rochdale club, said following the match that there is 'no room for racism in football'. It is believed the alleged abuse came from a Rochdale supporter following the club's defeat.

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In a statement, Rochdale AFC said: “Rochdale AFC can confirm that an alleged incident of racist abuse, directed towards D’Mani Mellor following yesterday’s game, has been reported to the relevant authorities.

“The club has a zero-tolerance stance towards any racist, discriminatory, or prejudiced behaviour. We utterly condemn any abuse of this kind and players, staff, and Football Club stand with D’Mani, to whom we have offered our full support.

“We will be working with the relevant authorities and Stockport County to fully investigate the incident and try to identify any individual(s) involved.”

D'Mani has since taken to Twitter to share his own statement in addition to the one issued by Rochdale.

The former Manchester United player posted on Sunday afternoon (April 23): “I completely understand the frustration and passion of supporters but there is no room for racism in football and nobody should be subjected to that kind of abuse.

“I am aware that people saw me smiling after full-time, but this was as an instant reaction to the abuse I received and in no way related to