A football club has apologised to Ebbsfleet keeper Nathan Ashmore after supporters called him a 'nonce' at Saturday’s National League game.

Ashmore was abused by fans at the match against Boreham Wood who also said things about his weight during he match which ended in a 0-0 draw.

As the final whistle went, Ashmore jumped into the crowd to confront fans.

Sports reporter Steve Trevet tweeted video of the incident

The keeper, 28, felt angered enough to jump the safety barriers and spoke to a few home supporters confronting them about their behaviour.

As a result bosses at Boreham Wood issued a statement on their website apologising to the keeper.

The club said: "When the final whistle went after the 0-0 stalemate against Ebbsfleet, the Ebbsfleet goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore, felt angered enough to jump the safety barriers and confront a few of our home supporters.

"We have ascertained from our inquiries, that some supporters behind the goal were calling him a “nonce,” and commenting on his weight, as he went about his normal goalkeeping duties, and especially when he took his goal kicks.

"We genuinely wish to apologise to Nathan and want to reassure people, that though this incident was hurtful to him as an individual, and is not acceptable - it was in no way racial, as some fans have speculated.

"In truth, the make up of our club, our squad, our staff and the fact that we reside in cosmopolitan North London and South Herts, would make that accusation quite ridiculous.

"As a club, we have prided ourselves and ensured over many, many years, that our employment policies regarding our day to day staff, our playing staff and the make up of our coaching staff and academy scholars, that we are a totally inclusive organisation.

"We are totally colour blind, gender blind and do not tolerate any form of religious bigotry.

"We simply look for the right people, with the correct attitude, discipline and desire, whenever we employ staff.

"We would also operate a zero tolerance of any supporter found guilty of any racial overtones.

"In light of the incident, we can only give you any further facts, as and when they are verified.

"We will neither blow the situation up nor will we play it down. We already recognise that it is not acceptable for any goalkeeper to be called names - as such, our football safety officer began a thorough investigation and that investigation started directly after the game.

"We do however feel that it was a shame that Nathan felt compelled to jump the safety barrier, as it inflamed the situation.

"It was a situation that could have been much better controlled, if he had simply pointed out the name callers to a steward - as his actions put himself and others in harms way.

"That said, we do understand that logical thinking when emotions are running high, is not always possible.

"Luckily, we can report after the chief steward’s debrief that two sensible home fans and our quick response stewards restrained the irate keeper and averted any actual trouble from occurring.

"The fact other players from both sides felt the need to get a closer look is also regrettable - but for all those who watch football, that was nothing more than we see every week, when the handbag brigade start to push and shove each other at a corner and nothing more."

The incident came just days after Eastleigh banned a fan after he was fined by magistrates for abusing Ashmore in a match in April.

The 59-year-old Eastleigh supporter was fined £650 and ordered to pay £600 compensation to Ashmore.