The Durham FA is investigating after a disabled spectator alleged a player heckled shocking ableist abuse at him during a match last month.

The incident is said to have happened on Saturday, February 3 at a tie between West Auckland Town’s reserves and Deerness Valley FC.

The Durham FA confirmed an investigation is underway.

Spectator Thomas O’Connor, who has one leg, was watching from behind the goal in his wheelchair, when he alleges a player shouted the awful comments at him.

The Northern Echo: Thomas O'Connor.Thomas O'Connor. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Thomas, of West Auckland said: “The game got heated and I shouted onto the pitch to one of the players, ‘Don’t speak to the referee like that!’

“He lost it completely. I went and reported him to the club and while I was talking to the club secretary he came over again."

Thomas claims the player shouted discriminatory comments about his disability and used strong language, which we have chosen not to repeat.

The Northern Echo: The Durham FA has confirmed it is investigating the incident.The Durham FA has confirmed it is investigating the incident. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“I was angry, really angry. I always thought people were looking down at me but have never felt it like this before," he said.

“I have been going for five or six years and I’ve never had anything like this happen to me before.

“I’ve been in a wheelchair for eight years – it took a lot for me to start going out in the first place.

“I have never heard anyone say that to someone in a wheelchair before.”

The Durham FA spokesperson said: “I can confirm that we have received an allegation and are currently in the process of investigation.”

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The Northern Echo: Darlington Road stadium where West Auckland Town FC play their home games/Darlington Road stadium where West Auckland Town FC play their home games/ (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

A representative of Deerness FC added: “We are aware of a number of incidents at that game that have been reported by both clubs to Durham FA which are currently being investigated.”

West Auckland Town FC was approached for a comment.