A new report from Kick It Out yesterday showed that discrimination was on the rise last season for the fifth consecutive season.

There were 469 reports last season, compared to 402 in 2015-16, a 16.7 per cent increase.

The reports of discrimination come from across football — from the Premier League and Women’s Super League down to grassroots fixtures.

Chief executive officer Roisin Wood said: “Kick It Out’s reporting statistics for the 2016-17 season clearly indicate discrimination is still prevalent within the beautiful game.

“As we head towards the 25th anniversary of the organisation in August 2018, it is a timely reminder that there is still significant work to be done to ensure all participants can feel safe and included in the sport.

“While the statistics show a large proportion of reporting taking place within the professional game, Kick It Out is aware of the vast scale of under-reporting within the grassroots game. This is one of a number of challenges the football authorities must tackle going forward.”