Portsmouth chairman Michael Eisner speaks out after club launch investigation into alleged racist messages in Academy under-18 group chat

A single screenshot has been widely shared on social media today appearing to be from a group Snapchat conversation.

The messages refer to three black England players who failed to score penalties in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley on Sunday.

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka have faced a torrent of racist abuse online after they had spot-kicks saved in Gareth Southgate’s side’s shootout loss to Italy.

Pompey are looking into the messages, which refer to lynching, bombing and death threats with monkey emojis used, along with the N-word.

Meanwhile, Hampshire police has confirmed it has launched a hate crime probe.

And Eisner, whose Tornante Company purchased the Blues in 2017, has outlined a zero-tolerance policy and there will be consequences for anyone who ‘engages in racist behavior in social media or elsewhere’.

Eisner wrote on Twitter: ‘There is no place for hatred or bigotry of any kind at Portsmouth FC or any other organization with which I’m affiliated.

‘We won’t tolerate it, and there will be appropriate consequences for anyone who engages in racist behavior in social media or elsewhere.’