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ABUSED: Perch

DURHAM POLICE have confirmed that they are investigating into the alleged abuse of a Newcastle United footballer on social network website Twitter.

A racially offensive comment regarding James Perch was posted on Twitter following Newcastle’s 2-0 victory over Liverpool on Sunday, April 1.

The 26-year-old defender was involved in an incident with Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who was shown a red card for appearing to headbutt Perch.

The tweet said: “I want to punch Perch in his n****r head”.

A police spokesperson said: "Northumbria Police contacted us yesterday afternoon after a member of the public complained about allegedly racist comments posted on Twitter.

“As the complainant lives in County Durham the matter was referred to Durham Constabulary and an appointment has been made for an officer to visit them and take further details."

Perch is the latest footballer to allegedly be racially abused on the social networking website.

A 21-year-old was jailed last week for posting racially offensive comments about Fabrice Muamba, who suffered a cardiac arrest at White Hart Lane on March 17, while a student was handed a two-year community order on March 21 for sending a series of racist tweets to ex-footballer Stan Collymore.