Southampton starlet Alex Jankewitz, 19, suffers vile racist abuse as police launch investigation after Instagram attacks

, Hampshire Police are investigating the incident which is just the latest of its kind in recent weeks.

And his club have released a statement after the vile abuse surfaced.

It read: "Southampton can confirm that it has identified a number of posts on social media directing racial abuse at our 19-year-old midfielder Alex Jankewitz, following last night’s result at Manchester United.

"Abuse of any form will never be tolerated at Southampton.

"Our club prides itself on its inclusive nature, and supporters who stoop to such abhorrent and archaic standards are not welcome as Southampton supporters, or anywhere else within football.

"The club will continue to fight every day to remove such people from our sport and our community in order to protect our players, our staff, Southampton fans and football supporters around the world who recognise and celebrate the diversity that makes football special.

"The club is passing on all abusive messages to Hampshire Police and hope they are able to permanently remove those individuals from our football community."

A growing number of footballers have suffered taunts online, including former Arsenal star Ian Wright whose teenage abuser avoided jail in Ireland on Wednesday.

Manchester United pair Anthony Martial and Axel Tuanzebe were subjected to horrendous abuse after a defeat to Sheffield United.

Chelsea and England defender Reece James then shared racist remarks he had been sent online.

The 21-year-old called for social media companies to do more to tackle the problem, and wrote: "Something needs to change!"

Marcus Rashford came forward on the weekend to condemn racist abuse he had received.

The United star, 23, tweeted: "Humanity and social media at its worst.

"Yes I’m a black man and I live every day proud that I am. No one, or no one comment, is going to make me feel any different.

"So sorry if you were looking for a strong reaction, you’re just simply not going to get it here.

"I’m not sharing screenshots. It would be irresponsible to do so and as you can imagine there’s nothing original in them.

"I have beautiful children of all colours following me and they don’t need to read it. Beautiful colours that should only be celebrated."

FA president Prince William added his voice to the calls for social media platforms to increase their efforts.

He stated: "We all have a responsibility to create an environment where such abuse is not tolerated, and those who choose to spread hate and division are held accountable for their actions.

"That responsibility extends to the platforms where so much of this activity now takes place."

Players from across the game continue to take a knee before matches in solidarity against racism, a protest that began in football in the wake of the US police killing of George Floyd last May.