A footballer has left a club after being "threatened" by "racist behaviour" at a Swale derby which led to violent scenes after the game.

Sittingbourne FC striker Mario Quiassaca is said to have quit the team after a match against Sheppey United FC at Woodstock.

In a statement, Sittingbourne FC said: "Following an incident that occurred after the game on December 27 we can confirm that the player involved has left the club.

"We would like to sincerely apologise to all those who were affected.

"We can confirm after the investigation of our home game that a visiting supporter has been identified as making threatening and inappropriate comments to a player.

"Appropriate action has been taken and he is now banned from the ground indefinitely.

"The player involved has sadly decided to leave the club – to which we wish him the very best going forward in his career."

It is understood violence flared after the match, which saw the Brickies beaten 4-1 by their Swale rivals, with several fights breaking out.

Known as Mazza, Quiassaca took to Twitter to speak with the #FootieStories podcast about the ordeal.

He said: "I haven't slept in three days. First things first, I never got sacked or released, I left the club, I need to make that known.

"It was a good derby, the first half was exciting.

"But it's the second half where the issues began and the threats were made.

"I'm not a Sittingbourne player anymore, off my own back.

"I haven't slept in three days, my head is hot because before being a footballer I am a human being."

It is alleged that Quiassaca was the victim of racial slurs from a Sheppey fan.

A statement by Sheppey United FC read: "Following communication with our neighbours and league rivals Sittingbourne FC there have been allegations of racist behaviour and we as a football club would like to re-affirm our position on any form of racism.

"Any supporters whom are linked to any such behaviour or witnessed behaving in a racist or homophobic manner will be ejected from Holm Park and be banned from the stadium, all in accordance with our stadium rules and regulations.

"We know this is an isolated incident and does not reflect the club's fantastic supporters but when allegations of this nature are made we have to re-affirm the football club's position on any such behaviour.

"As a football club we are immensely proud of our community club status and allegations of this nature will not be tolerated by the football club.

"We will work with our neighbours to identify the culprit(s) involved in order to unify our stance on racism and continue the good work the club does within our community."

Sittingbourne FC's committee has been contacted for comment.