A footballer who was sent off after breaking another player’s nose is then alleged to have abused fans as he left the pitch.

AFC Sudbury’s Ryman League Division One North match against Redbridge was locked at 1-1 on Saturday when a Redbridge player received a straight red card for an elbow on Sudbury centre-back Ryan Henshaw on 48 minutes.

What happened next is the subject of an appeal for witnesses.

The player was reported to police for allegedly behaving abusively toward supporters as he was escorted off the pitch.

AFC Sudbury chairman Philip Turner said his club immediately called Suffolk Constabulary, which launched an appeal for witnesses yesterday afternoon.

AFC Sudbury appealed for witnesses to come forward immediately after the game and Mr Turner said they were grateful to the number of people who had come forward.

He said the club would now be leaving the matter with the FA.

The referee has also submitted a full report.

After the sending-off AFC Sudbury went on to win the game 5-1 and are top of the table.

The club said it had never had a problem with Redbridge.

Police arrived at the Wardale Williams Stadium, in Brundon Lane, at 4.30pm but Mr Turner said the Redbridge player had left the area.

A statement released by Suffolk Constabulary said: “A player is alleged to have directed abusive behaviour towards some spectators as he was leaving the pitch.

“Police are keen to hear from anyone who was either a target of this behaviour or who may have witnessed it.”

Anyone with information was asked to contact the Babergh Neighbourhood Response Team on 101 quoting CAD 258 of February 27.

Redbridge FC said it would not be commenting at the present time.