Following comments made on a social networking site Oxford United Football Club have fined midfielder Sam Deering and warned him as to his future conduct.

Oxford United work very hard to try to help eliminate racism in football and the Club will not tolerate prejudice in any form.

Chairman Kelvin Thomas said;

"We have taken this issue very seriously. I spoke to Sam in person and he has been made very aware that we will not tolerate such comments. Sam fully understands that and recognises that he was naïve and stupid that these comments were posted.

"Knowing Sam and his background I am confident that he is not a racist, however he must understand that he is a role model and even his throwaway comments have an impact on people's lives.

"Sam is a young lad who is having to mature very quickly, and we as a club need to ensure that he understands his obligations as a role model and a representative of the football club. These thoughtless comments are used too easily in society and we all have to understand that the use of them have an effect.

"He is already distraught about his injury and the operation, and feels terrible that this has happened. He is still on strong medication from his operation yesterday pinning his broken fibula but he sincerely apologises to anyone offended by these comments and also to the supporters, management and his fellow players at Oxford United.

"Sam will be disciplined by the Club and will also be helping our Community Department in their initiatives, which promote minority involvement in football and Oxford United.

"Oxford United will continue to give our full support to the 'Kick Racism out of Football' campaign and I have spoken to their Director today and have discussed some education modules for our young players in the New Year to avoid these problems in the future "