Deal have issued a statement after “a very small group of individuals” allegedly used racist and discriminatory language during their Isthmian South East derby with Ramsgate on Bank Holiday Monday.

A club-record attendance of 1,895 were at the Charles Sports Ground, as the Rams were 4-2 victors.

But the Hoops said on their club website on Tuesday that some had failed to behave themselves in an appropriate manner and the club are now discussing the matter with Ramsgate.

“Following Bank Holiday Monday’s fixture against Ramsgate Football Club [RFC], we have been made aware of racist and discriminatory language being used by a very small group of individuals during the game,” Deal’s club statement read.

“While we believe that the actions are only from a small collective, Deal Town Football Club [DTFC] have a zero-tolerance policy to any language used of this nature.

“Discrimination, of any form, is not acceptable at any time and will not be tolerated. Anyone identified to be demonstrating such behaviours will be ejected from the ground and issued a lifetime ban from the Charles Ground.

“We have been in contact with RFC this morning regarding the incident, to which they have been assisting. We have a strong and established relationship with RFC, and we know this incident is not reflective of the committed associates connected with them; Club officials, team officials or those dedicated supporters.

Report: Deal 2-4 Ramsgate

“RFC also condemn any behaviour of this nature and will be following this up internally.

“Importantly, if you experience, or are made aware of, any such behaviour, then please contact a member of the bar staff, a steward or any club official so this behaviour can be dealt with at the time of incident.

“We maintain that the Charles Ground is a safe and enjoyable venue within our community, for everyone to enjoy - regardless of ethnicity, race or any other protected characteristic.”

On social media later in the day, the Rams said it was one of their players who was allegedly racially abused and that the matter has been passed to the police.

They wrote: “There has been an allegation that one of our players was on the receiving end of racial abuse during yesterday’s match at Deal Town.

“We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Deal in wholeheartedly condemning any behaviour of this nature.

“The matter has been referred to the police.

“Any individuals guilty of such offences will face a lifetime ban from our stadium.

“We will not be able to comment further as the police investigate this matter.”

The Hoops are at East Grinstead in the league on Saturday while Ramsgate will play host to Isthmian Premier club Folkestone in the FA Cup first qualifying round.