Chelsea have released a statement defending Conor Gallagher after the midfielder received vile abuse online.
In one clip, Gallagher appears to accidentally snub a young black mascot's offer of a high five before his side's 2-2 draw with Burnley over the weekend. However, the full version shows the England international putting his arm round the youngster.
Gallagher has since received abuse on social media, despite the situation clearly being taken out of context.
And Chelsea have now condemned the criticism of their player in a strongly-worded statement.
Chelsea have released a statement defending Conor Gallagher after he accidentally snubbed a young mascot
SKY
"Chelsea Football Club is aware of a video clip circulating on social media from Saturday's fixture against Burnley, which has been taken considerably out of context," they wrote.
"The subsequent level of abuse and defamatory comments directed towards Conor Gallagher is completely unacceptable.
"We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome."
The Blues' statement comes after Mauricio Pochettino also discussed the subject.
"This has upset me so much," he said.
"Because no one wants to do something like this, with this intention.
"When you play football and you are there and focusing to play and start the game, that sometimes can happen.
"People try to find things to create a mess and to abuse.
"Conor is a great, great kid and is always caring about everything.
"I hate that people feel free to abuse on social media.
"To abuse the people is so easy. So easy. Who thinks the intention of Conor is to ignore a mascot? No one. Come on."
Pochettino also says social media is a problem, with the Argentine making it clear how much he resents it.
"The problem to be on social media is a way to communicate and then it's also a thing that measures your value, dependant on the followers you have," he added.
"It puts you in a value in front of the society. That is the problem.
"We are seeing so many things like this in society that are so wrong."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Conor Gallagher has received vile abuse online following Chelsea's draw with Burnley
SKY
Chelsea were poor on Saturday against Burnley as their difficult Premier League season continued.
Cole Palmer put the Blues ahead, only for Josh Cullen to restore parity.
Palmer thought he'd won the game for the west London giants when he scored his second goal of the game in the 78th minute.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has defended Conor Gallagher ahead of his side's Premier League clash with Man Utd
GETTY
But Dara O'Shea netted to earn Burnley a draw.
Chelsea host Manchester United on Thursday night (8.15pm).
The Red Devils beat the Blues in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, with Scott McTominay netting a brace.
