Manchester City have confirmed they received a complaint last month relating to racially inappropriate language used by a club employee in an external meeting. The club have launched an internal investigation into allegations that one of their senior academy coaches used an offensive term in a meeting where agents were present.

Dean Ramsdale, chief youth scout, allegedly referred to black players as “BBQs”, an acronym for big, black and quick. One of those present in the meeting submitted a formal letter of complaint over the incident, which is said to have happened two months ago.

The club immediately issued an apology and set up an internal investigation through their own HR team, with Ramsdale being made aware that such language would not be tolerated.

A former Barnsley player, Ramsdale joined City from Sheffield Wednesday last summer as youth scouting and recruitment manager. He had previously worked for Leeds in a similar capacity and has 20 years’ experience in youth development.

A statement from Manchester City said: “A complaint was received last month and immediately raised to the appropriate department. Whilst the club cannot comment on the specific case while it is in process, we have a zero tolerance approach to discrimination of any kind and a disciplinary code which covers alleged matters of this nature.

“The club strongly condemns discrimination of any kind and actively supports campaigns and initiatives where we can use our influence and voice to help eradicate it from the game.”