A pub football team is being investigated after allegations its players punched, kicked and hurled racist abuse at opponents.

The American Express reserves team has lodged a complaint with the Football Association following a Brighton and Hove District League match against The Windmill.

Black and ethnic minority players claim they were subjected to racist taunts and physical intimidation during the Division Four fixture on Saturday February 11 at Buckingham Park, which American Express won 3-2.

Players from The Windmill, from the pub in Old Shoreham Road, Southwick, could be fined thousands or barred from the league if the allegations are upheld by the FA inquiry.

Ken Benham, chief executive of the Sussex County FA, said: "There are a number of serious allegations here but we take racism particularly seriously. It has no place in football at any level.

"We will take statements from players, match officials and other witnesses to determine the truth of these complaints and levy charges if applicable."

Windmill Inn landlord Gareth Cornford said the team would be contesting the allegations.

He said: "From what I know it was a bad-tempered match but there was never any racist intent, no harm was meant and I'm sure the FA investigation will back that up."

American Express player Jake Thompson, 27, of Lynchet Walk, Brighton, who made the complaint on behalf of the team, said: "Racist comments are repulsive and have no place on the football pitch in this day and age.

"I have made a complaint to draw attention to an ongoing problem that all real football lovers are trying to eradicate."

Mike Brown, secretary of the Brighton and Hove District Football League, said: "We are giving this case our support and eagerly await its findings.

"We wish to stamp racism out of football whatever it takes.

"We cannot act until the FA inquiry is concluded but if necessary we can then potentially take action against club and players but I can't speculate on what that might be."

Mr Benham added: "If the complaint is upheld a panel of three committee members will decide on a punishment, which could vary from a slap on the wrist if it was a mild incident to fines of potentially hundreds of pounds and players being banned."

"If a team failed to control the abuses and further incidents occured it would jeopardise its place in the league and could be barred."

He stressed allegations of racism were very rare in the league, adding: "To my knowledge this is the first serious one this season.

"Our efforts to remove racism from have been successful but you will occasionally get isolated incidents and when that happens we take action."

Mr Benham said it was the FA's duty to report any incidents where the law has been broken to the police.

Both clubs have been advised by the FA not to comment in case they prejudice the investigation.