Stockport County have issued a statement confirming that they are assisting Rochdale AFC and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in investigating an alleged instance of racist abuse from the away end, following Saturday's game at Edgeley Park. 

County said in the statement: "At Edgeley Park we have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of discriminatory abuse or behaviour, and we will be doing everything we can to help identify the individual(s) involved and ensure they are dealt with by the relevant authorities. 

"We condemn any form of racist abuse in the strongest possible terms, and offer our full support to D'Mani Mellor at this time." 

Rochdale have similarly condemned the abuse, and also confirmed that they are working with County and GMP to investigate the incident and identify who was involved. 

D'Mani Mellor himself issued the following statement on Twitter: "I completely understand the frustration and passion of supporters but there is no room for racism in football and nobody should be subjected to that kind of abuse. 

"I am aware that people saw me smiling after full-time, but this was as an instant reaction to the abuse I received and in no way related to matters on the pitch. I reacted in that way because I always smile in the face of racism. 

"The issue lies with the person that is being racist, not the person that is being racially abused. I feel sorry for them, smile at them and hope they can find a better way of living in the future. I have enjoyed my time at the club and will continue to give my all during my time here." 

Fans expressed sympathy on social media for the player, currently playing for Dale on loan from Wycombe Wanderers. 

Wycombe themselves condemned the alleged incident, retweeting both Rochdale's and D'Mani's statement. 

Rochdale's 1-0 defeat to County on Saturday means they face relegation from League Two.