POLICE officers are investigating three alleged offences, which include a woman being spat in the face during Banbury United’s Emirates FA Cup defeat at Bracknell Town.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) confirmed three offences have been reported to the force: a racially aggravated assault against a member of the Bracknell staff, a racially aggravated public order offence against a member of the public, and a racially aggravated public order offence against a Bracknell player.

During the assault against the Bracknell staff member, it has been reported that someone in the crowd spat in the face of the female member of staff.

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Investigating officer PC Steve Mountain said: “Thames Valley Police is conducting a thorough investigation into these offences and is in consultation with both Bracknell Town and Banbury United, the match officials and the victims of the offences.

“I would urge any other victims, or anyone with any information or footage from the match, to contact the force as soon as possible. The easiest way to contact us is by visiting our website or calling 101, quoting investigation reference 43220466819.

“Thames Valley Police will not tolerate this behaviour and offenders will be prosecuted and football banning orders will be applied for.

“The force has secured five football banning orders in relation to recent football matches in our region.

“Not only does a ban stop the individual from attending football matches for three years, they can also be required to surrender their passport to the police when the England national team is playing abroad.”

A statement from the Puritans’ board of directors said anyone identified as having made racist comments will be banned by the club.

The Puritans missed the chance to make the first round of the FA Cup for the third year in a row, after losing 2-1.