The FA will investigate allegations of racist abuse directed at a Tottenham Hotspur Ladies defender who has claimed she was subjected to monkey chants by an opponent, Telegraph Sport can reveal.

Renee Hector has alleged that a Sheffield United player directed monkey noises at her Spurs’ 2-1 away win over the Blades in the Women’s Championship.

The 23-year-old tweeted: “Such a shame that racism seems to be rising up again in football - I received some monkey noises today from an opposition player. The only reaction was to let the football do the talking and that we did great start to the year!”

Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion organisation, said in a statement to Telegraph Sport: “We've received reports of alleged racist abuse directed at Tottenham Hotspur Ladies player Renee Hector in today’s FA Women’s Championship fixture against Sheffield United Women.

“We have informed The FA as the game’s governing body and have offered our support to them with their investigation, and to the player herself.”

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies issued a statement saying “The Club is aware of allegations of racial abuse made by Renee Hector following today’s victory at Sheffield United Women, that were reported to the referee by the player during the match.

“We have since reported the alleged incident to the FA and await their response. We shall be making no further comment on the allegations at this time.”

A Sheffield United spokesperson told Telegraph Sport: “We are aware of the post on social media and have already begun an investigation to determine the full facts. As this is an ongoing matter, it would be unwise to comment further at this stage.”