The Football Association has launched an investigation after a Tottenham Hotspur Ladies footballer alleged monkey noises were directed at her by an opposition player during a game on Sunday.

The Spurs centre-back Renée Hector said on Twitter that the noises had been made by a Sheffield United player during Tottenham’s 2-1 victory in the FA Women’s Championship.

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! @ThlfcOfficial #COYSL #SHEvTOT #KickItOut — Renée Hector (@renazzza) January 6, 2019

Sheffield United Women said the club were aware of the tweet and had already started investigating the incident.

Tottenham Hotspur said the allegations had been reported to the referee during the match and the club were awaiting a response from the FA.

An FA spokesperson said: “The FA can confirm that we are aware of an allegation of discriminatory abuse during the FA Women’s Championship match between Sheffield United Women and Tottenham Hotspur Ladies on Sunday 6 January.

“We take all allegations of discrimination very seriously and will be making inquiries into the matter.”