A POLICE officer stressed there was 'no place for racism in football or Cumbria' after it was concluded there was 'insufficient evidence' to pursue a footballer's claim of racial abuse through the criminal justice system.

Rickie Wallbank said 'any person who feels it is acceptable to be racist to others' should 'expect to be held accountable for their actions'.

Officer Wallbank, police liaison officer for Barrow AFC, was speaking in relation to an incident that saw Colchester United goalkeeper Shamal George allegedly racially abused during a match at Barrow.

The abuse was said to have come from a stand containing Bluebirds fans.

“Cumbria Police take all reports of racism incredibly seriously," said Officer Wallbank.

"All reports are investigated by trained officers and victims will be offered specialist support in conjunction with local independent services.

“In this incident, following a thorough investigation, the evidence was not sufficient to pursue a conviction."

Club chief executive Levi Gill on Thursday said there was 'not enough certainty' around who was responsible and that no action would be taken against fans.