Torquay United is investigating an allegation of homophobic language being made by a Gulls fan towards the referee at the end of Saturday's game at Plainmoor against Hampton and Richmond Borough.
A club statement says Torquay United is a family-friendly football club which values inclusivity and should be a place of safety and well-being for all fans, players and officials.
Joe Lovell, Chief Executive Officer, said: "The Club strongly condemns any use of discriminatory or abusive language of all kinds coming from anyone who purports to be a supporter of our Club.
"As a fan-owned, fan-led Club, Torquay United has a zero-tolerance policy and as such, anyone found to have committed an offence will face the strictest possible club sanctions, including a life ban. The Club will also fully support the police in pursuing criminal charges for offenders.
"There is no place for homophobia at Torquay United—football is for everyone, and Plainmoor is for everyone. At a time when we are seeing the largest crowds in more than 50 years and welcoming new fans and families to Plainmoor to enjoy watching Torquay United, this type of behaviour goes against everything we are trying to achieve here at your Club and will undermine our progress.
“Abuse and discriminatory behaviour is totally unacceptable and directly against our values as a club and a community. Beyond the harm and distress it causes individuals, it brings serious consequences for the club—reputational, financial, and sporting—including potential sanctions such as fines, reduction in crowd capacity and point deductions, all of which could have a material and tangible impact upon what happens on the pitch.
"We urge all supporters to stand with us and call out discrimination of all kinds, and ensure Plainmoor remains a welcoming, family-friendly and inclusive place for all."
Supporters can report anything that they have seen or heard by emailing CallItOut@torquayunited.com.
