An investigation has been begun after Manchester City’s friendly win over Limerick following a claim by defender Gael Clichy that a banana was thrown onto the pitch.
Stadium officials and Gardia – the Republic of Ireland police force – are currently studying CCTV footage to pinpoint and identify the spectator who allegedly threw the missile.
The incident cast a shadow over an otherwise successful day for City as they ran out 4-0 winners at Thomond Park.
A statement released on behalf of Limerick FC and Thomond Park Stadium said: "The Gardai and stadium officials are reviewing the CCTV recordings to attempt to identify an individual involved in the throwing of an offensive object onto the playing field.
"Any individual identified as being involved in an incident of this nature will be banned from future attendance and the matter will be handed over to the Gardai.
"All those involved with the friendly game fully condemn all forms of unacceptable behaviour of this nature."
The investigation was sparked by comments Clichy made on his Twitter account where he said: "How sad to see 'bananas thrown on the pitch' tonight... Knowing people around the world need food. £nowordsforthis."
Manchester City are believed to not have made a formal complaint.
This has not been the first report of racial abuse in friendly matches involving Premier League clubs this summer.
On the previous day Newcastle United called for Den Haag to investigate reports of racist chanting from parts of the home fans during their friendly match at the Kyocera Stadium.
