Oxford United manager Des Buckingham has spoken out on an incident of alleged racism towards a referee in the Championship.

The Yellows took on fellow newly promoted side Portsmouth in the Championship on Saturday, battling out a 1-1 draw.

During the second half of the game at Fratton Park, referee Lewis Smith was informed by assistant Bhupinder Singh Gil that racist remarks had been made towards him.

The game was then paused while an announcement was sounded over the tannoy system warning fans at the ground about bad behaviour.

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The Championship match on Saturday.The Championship match on Saturday. (Image: Mike Allen)

Oxford head coach Des Buckingham said: 'It is not my place to say.

“There were comments made which the referee felt he needed to report but I'll leave it to the referees to sort.”

Portsmouth have since issued a statement which said: “Portsmouth FC are appealing for information from supporters after a racist comment was heard at today’s game.

“The match was stopped in the 77th minute after the comment was directed at one of the referee's assistants from either Block E or F in the North Lower.

“The club met the match officials after the game to discuss the incident and have launched an immediate investigation, including a review of CCTV footage in the area. The referee has confirmed the incident will be reported to The FA.

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Jamie Cumming saved a penalty from Elias Sorensen.Jamie Cumming saved a penalty from Elias Sorensen. (Image: Mike Allen)

“Anybody with information about this incident should email the club in confidence at info@pompeyfc.co.uk with any relevant details that might help us with our investigation.

“Fans can also call Hampshire Police on 101, quoting the crime reference number '44240432868'.

“Football is for all and racism has no place in society. We all have a role to play in eradicating such behaviour and ensuring that discrimination of any kind is not welcome at Fratton Park.

“Any individual found to have made any racist or homophobic – or any discriminatory – remark will receive a significant ban from attending matches at Fratton Park.”

The incident was also addressed by Pompey manager John Mousinho who revealed that he apologised to the referee affected.

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“I think there was something said to the linesman on the far side,” he said.

“I've apologised to the linesman after the game if anything was said and I know that it will be dealt with appropriately.

“We heard the tannoy announcement and everyone here will condone it.”

The match ended with the teams each claiming a point after Louie Sibley’s equaliser cancelled out the opener from Mark O’Mahony which was assisted by former Yellow Josh Murphy.

United now sit 10th in the Championship table while Portsmouth find themselves in 20th.

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