A WORCESTER City footballer who likened killing illegal immigrants to a video game has been suspended by the club – as police launch an investigation into his comments.

The Gloucestershire and West Mercia forces are looking at comments posted online by Lee Smith, who plays on the right wing for the club.

A senior police officer says the matter was being taken “very seriously”.

Yesterday the football club said its board and manager Carl Healey had suspended Mr Smith from the squad until their investigation had ended, meaning he misses the away league game against Bishop Stortford on Saturday.

Yesterday we exclusively reported how the 28-year-old had posted comments on his personal Twitter site likening the killing of illegal immigrants to popular video game Call of Duty.

Mr Smith later said he had only meant the comments as “friendly banter”, not realising everybody viewing his Twitter would be able to read them.

And although he apologised for any offence, he stuck by his comment that illegal immigrants should leave the country.

Mr Smith said he would think twice about using the site again, and his Twitter profile has now been deleted.

Supt Gary Thompson, of Gloucestershire Constabulary – Mr Smith lives in the county – said: “We are grateful that these comments have been brought to our attention and it is a matter that we are taking very seriously. We will be liaising with both West Mercia Police and the club to establish what type of investigation is necessary."

Meanwhile Worcester City vice-chairman Colin Layland said they were investigating whether Mr Smith had bought the club “into disrepute”.

“The board are investigating allegations that a player made inappropriate and racist remarks on Twitter which have led to concerns these remarks are inflammatory and have caused offence to those have read them and brought the name of WCFC into disrepute.

“The club and its directors, staff and supporters have worked hard particularly in association with the current Kick it Out Programme targeted at such types of incidents.

“The board would like to apologise to all those affected by the nature and tenor of these alleged comments and will carry out a full investigation and take action against that staff member should these allegations prove founded.”

Readers were quick to comment on our article here yesterday, and they continue to do so today.

Many condemned Mr Smith’s comments while saying disliking illegal immigrants was not racism.

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