Newcastle United has condemned racial abuse directed at one of their players following a match yesterday.

Midfielder Joe Willock of Newcastle United became the target of abuse following a bitter 2-1 loss to Fulham at St James' Park yesterday (February 1).

The 25-year-old was targeted on Instagram, the club have said, as they confirm the abuse has been reported to both Northumbria Police and Meta.

A full statement from Newcastle United reads: "There is no room for racism anywhere. Joe has been given the club's full support and we will continue to do all we can to ensure the welfare of our players, staff, and supporters.

"The club has reported the abuse to Meta - the owners of Instagram, and urges all social media companies to do more to eradicate this behaviour from their platforms.

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"The club has also reported the abuse to the police, and will support the strongest possible action against those responsible."

It is understood Willock came off the bench as a 64th-minute replacement for the injured Joelinton as his side looked to rebuild following Raul Jimenez’s equaliser.

Willock might have restored his side’s lead but missed his kick as he attempted to convert Isak’s cross and Rodrigo Muniz completed a miserable afternoon for the Magpies when he stabbed home fellow substitute Andreas Pereira’s free-kick to win it for the visitors eight minutes from time.