Crystal Palace investigating alleged racist abuse of Daichi Kamada

Crystal Palace have launched an investigation into allegations that midfielder Daichi Kamada was the subject of racist abuse.

The incident is alleged to have taken place after the midfielder was sent off during Palace's 2-0 defeat to Fulham at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

A club statement said: "We are aware of a report that Daichi Kamada was racially abused during the match against Fulham and we are investigating the allegation.

"The club has a zero tolerance policy towards any form of abuse and we will take the strongest possible action against anyone identified as the perpetrator."

Kamada, 28, was shown a straight red card in the 76th minute for a dangerous challenge on Fulham's Kenny Tete with Palace trailing 1-0 through Emile Smith Rowe 's goal on the stroke of half time.

Substitute Harry Wilson doubled Fulham's lead seven minutes after Kamada's dismissal with what proved to be the final goal of the game.

The Japan midfielder joined the south London club from Lazio in the summer and has featured in all 11 of Palace's Premier League games so far this season, although he is yet to score or register an assist for the club.

Saturday's defeat was Palace's sixth of the campaign under head coach Oliver Glasner and leaves them 18th in the table, three points above bottom-placed Southampton going into the upcoming international break.

(Nathan Stirk/)