Preston North End have reported “deplorable” racist social media comments directed at Thierry Small to Lancashire Police.

Small scored a late own goal in Preston’s 1-1 Championship draw at home to QPR on Easter Monday.

A spokesperson for PNE said: “We are absolutely appalled to discover deplorable comments of a racist nature made by a user on a post on our Instagram page aimed at Thierry Small following yesterday’s game against QPR at Deepdale.

“The comments have been reported to the Lancashire Police and we will assist them in carrying out any necessary action taken against the individual responsible.

“There is no place for such abhorrent and frankly disgusting and discriminatory language in football nor society. If and when the individual responsible is identified, they will be banned from Deepdale for life.”

Lancashire Police were approached for comment.