Police investigating racist posts directed at Man United players

Greater Manchester Police are investigating a number of social media posts directed at United players, including Marcus Rashford, following Manchester United's defeat in the Europa League final in Gdansk.

The 23-year-old said he had received "at least 70 racial slurs'' in the wake of United's penalty shootout loss to Villarreal on Wednesday night.

Rashford said he received a torrent of racist abuse when he opened up his phone, revealing that one such slur came in a direct message from a person claiming to be a maths teacher.

United later tweeted to say their players had been subjected to "disgraceful racist abuse''.

GMP say they are aware of a number of posts and are now working through them - which originate from countries across the world as well as the UK.

Assistant Chief Constable for Greater Manchester Police, Chris Sykes said: "Tackling hate crime remains a priority for GMP. We take these reports very seriously and are working with our partners to ensure those responsible are identified.

"Nobody should be subject to hateful language and abuse and it is deeply upsetting not only to those who receive these comments, but to anyone who witnesses it on a public forum.

"Those who make these posts subject themselves, not just to criminal proceedings but to long-term implications to their personal and professional lives by making these comments.

"We would always encourage anyone who has been a victim, or witness of hate crime to report it at the earliest opportunity via 101, LiveChat or online. Alternatively you can visit www.letsendhatecrime.com."