A football fan who racially abused Maidstone club captain George Elokobi has been given a life ban by his club.

There were ugly scenes at the end of the Stones’ 4-0 victory at Hemel Hempstead on Saturday when a home supporter reportedly directed the N-word at Elokobi.

Police were called as rival fans clashed and Hemel Hempstead have taken swift action by identifying and banning the man responsible.

“A racial abuse incident took place at Hemel Hempstead Town Football Club after the final whistle,” said Tudors chairman David Boggins in a statement.

“Hemel Hempstead Town Football Club wants it to be known that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated at our club.

“The person in question has been identified and barred from our club for life and furthermore we will attempt to get this person barred from every football club in the country.”

Boggins was also critical of Maidstone fans involved in the brawl, saying their behaviour “was unacceptable and spoiled a really nice afternoon”.

The main tone of his message, however, was to condemn the abuse suffered by Elokobi, who was making his first league appearance in six months after recovering from injury.

He added: “We will stand strong against racial abuse every time and Hemel Hempstead Town Football Club apologises to the player concerned, and be assured we will endeavour to wipe this type of behaviour from the face of the earth.”

Speaking after the game, Stones boss Hakan Hayrettin said: “I don’t know what happened, all I know is that George Elokobi has been an exemplary professional all his life and for him to react, something must have been said.

“Our supporters must have heard it and they’ve said that’s not right. Other than that, I can’t comment on what’s happened.”

Elokobi spoke in depth about racism during an appearance on the KentOnline Football Podcast three years ago.

“I feel like it’s becoming quite the norm,” he said.

“Is it going to stop any time soon? I doubt it.

“Education is key to help the ignorant people that do it because no one is born to be a racist.

“They pick it up from their communities, ie the parents, because no child comes into this world being a racist.

“It’s sad that it’s quite common nowadays.”