Image copyright BBC Sport Image caption Nacho Novo has spent a lot of time in Belfast, having played one season for Glentoran in 2016-17

A Belfast football club has said it is "disgusted" that footballer Nacho Novo was subjected to "vile sectarian abuse" while he was their guest in the city.

The ex-Rangers player confronted a Celtic fan at Belfast International Airport who taunted him, singing: "I hope you die in your sleep Nacho Novo."

The taunting and the confrontation were both filmed and posted on social media.

Novo had travelled to the city to attend East Belfast FC academy's prize-giving day for players aged 11 and 12.

'Vicious tirade'

In a statement to BBC News NI, a spokesman for the academy said: "We are disgusted and angry that Nacho was subjected to a barrage of vile sectarian abuse.

"Not only does such behaviour have no place in sport, but it has no place within society."

Image copyright East Belfast FC Image caption Nacho Novo posed for photos with young fans at East Belfast FC academy's prize-giving event

The former Rangers striker, who spent six years with the Glasgow club, suffered a suspected heart attack earlier this year after playing at a tournament for Rangers Legends in Berlin.

During the incidents at Belfast International Airport at the weekend, Novo was filmed walking through the airport while the Celtic fan taunted him.

The Spaniard initially smiled and appeared to laugh it off, but an angry Novo later confronted the fan outside the airport doors, swearing and demanding to know why he had been "disrespected".

The East Belfast FC academy pointed out that the Spanish star was targeted after travelling to another country to attend a cross-community youth event.

"Our young players had a fantastic day with Nacho as part of our exciting academy development plans," their statement said.

"The progressive and inclusive work of East Belfast FC stands in stark contrast with the kind of narrow sectarianism perpetuated by the individual that launched a vicious tirade against Nacho, and worse still broadcasted his sectarian behaviour online."

The club called on the Police Service of Northern Ireland to investigate the matter.

Nacho Novo is no stranger to the city, having played one season for east Belfast club Glentoran in 2016-17.

During his time in Belfast, Novo was also warned by police that he was under a death threat from dissident republicans.

In addition to his time with Rangers, Novo also played with teams in the US, Poland and his native Spain.