Kick It Out has called on the Football Association and clubs to take action against the ‘disgraceful’ incidents of abuse which marred the opening weekend of the season.

Southend United striker Theo Robinson has revealed he was a target of racial abuse from a fan sitting near his family and friends against Coventry City.

And Fulham defender Cyrus Christie alleged his sister was hit and racially abused by a Cottagers fan at Barnsley.

Kick It Out also said James McClean, of Stoke, and Barnsley’s Bambo Diaby were subjected to abuse.

The anti-discrimination body said: “We are appalled to hear that the sister of Fulham’s Cyrus Christie was subjected to alleged violence and racist abuse on Saturday, with Southend United’s Theo Robinson, Stoke City’s James McClean and Barnsley’s Bambo Diaby targeted with unacceptable discriminatory abuse too.

"On the first weekend of the season, these incidents should be a reminder for everyone in football that racism and discrimination cannot be ignored.

“Clubs and the football authorities must be relentless in calling out this disgraceful behaviour, and be prepared to issue strong sanctions and education sessions to any supporter involved.

“We have contacted the clubs to offer our support to the players, are liaising with the police and have informed the FA of all the incidents, so that whoever is responsible can be brought to justice.”

Blues defender Elvis Bwomono was also subjected to racist abuse from fans in the West Stand during the pre-season friendly with Millwall.