The Football Association has launched an investigation into claims Sol Campbell was subjected to homophobic abuse during Macclesfield’s visit to Cheltenham on Saturday.

It comes after several Cheltenham fans wrote about chants directed towards the away manager on social media after the match, which the home side won 3-2.

One supporter tweeted that “the homophobic chants and references towards Sol Campbell were disgusting. Disappointed the stewards didn’t seem to do anything”. Another said: “It was horrendous. And not for the first time this season. Cheltenham need to nip it before it happens again.”

Cheltenham’s fan-elected director Dave Beesley also confirmed to the Gloucester Live website he had received “a few emails from fans” complaining of homophobia at the game.

Cheltenham could not be reached for comment. However in a statement on its website the club said it wanted to remind all supporters “that it is against the law to shout or chant abuse on the grounds of ability or disability; age; gender; gender reassignment; marital status or civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race, nationality or ethnicity; religion or belief; or sexual orientation.

“Under the Equality Act 2010 it is an offence to make reference to the above protected characteristics in abusive terms and doing so could lead to arrest and prosecution,” it added.

The club made no reference to the abuse allegedly directed towards Campbell. However it confirmed it was undertaking a thorough review of its operations.

“Supporters are urged to report any such abuse to the nearest steward as quickly as possible,” they said. “Please assist us in making the Jonny-Rocks Stadium a place where everyone can watch football without having to endure discriminatory abuse.”

Earlier this season the Ebbsfleet goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore said he felt like walking off the pitch when his team lost 2-0 to Cheltenham owing to the level of abuse, adding: “I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”

In 2009 a 42-year-old man and a 13-year-old boy were convicted of indecent chanting at Campbell, when he was playing for Portsmouth against Spurs, which included homophobic abuse such as “Come on gay boy, that’s my gay boy”. Four others also pleaded guilty to abusing the defender. At their trial, video footage contained other abusive chants shouted by up to 2,500 fans, including: “Sol, Sol, wherever you may be, not long now until lunacy, we won’t give a fuck if you are hanging from a tree,”; “Sol’s a wanker”; and other abuse.

Neither Campbell or Macclesfield has yet commented on the FA investigation.