A JUNIOR football league is investigating claims that players have suffered racist abuse in games for under-12s.

And Bolton, Bury and District Junior Football League has warned players and managers it will not tolerate any kind of racism.

It is looking into reports from Hindley Town of racist abuse in matches involving its under-12s side.

Hindley Town has eight black players among its 180-strong junior squad, including four in the under-12s.

It is understood incidents happened during games against Farnworth FC Sables, Bolton-based Rooftec Rangers Blues and Aspull Juniors.

Club secretary Brian Lee said the incidents were reported by youngsters during a training session.

He said: "I don't know exactly what was said, but one or two kids were saying that racist comments were made. We've not had any reports from parents about it, but we are looking into it."

Bolton, Bury and District Junior Football League under-12s secretary Bill Eaton said: "The league takes allegations of abuse very seriously.

"I have been in contact with the secretary of Hindley Town and asked him to speak to the players involved to see if any opposition players can be identified.

"These incidents have been referred to the league's child protection and welfare officer, who will now work closely with Hindley Town to resolve these matters."

Mr Eaton said the league will also work with the other clubs involved before reporting back to committee members. He said: "The league fully supports the kick racism out of sport' policy and will investigate all reports of abuse, whether it be from managers, coaches, parents or players."

Last year, the league suspended one player for three weeks after allegations of racist abuse.

The player later received a further three-week ban from the Lancashire Football Association.

Rooftec Rangers chairman Graham McGreavy said: "I don't know anything about this, but racism is something we really clamp down on. It's nothing to do with our club."

Sharon Hubber, child protection officer for Farnworth FC, said: "We are trying to find out full details from Hindley Town before we look into things."

No-one from Aspull Juniors was available for comment.