Black England players abused on Twitter

Ashley Cole and Ashley Young failed to convert their penalties (GETTY IMAGES)

Police are investigating online racist abuse of two of England's black football stars after they missed penalty kicks in the Euro 2012 game against Italy.

The Chelsea defender Ashley Cole and Manchester United winger Ashley Young were singled out for abuse on Twitter by one user.

In a series of offensive postings the user goaded others who criticised him for his rants.

In one post the tweeter wrote: "All I got to say is this was just a joke, you guys need to relax, police know I was kiddin around and they won't bother me hopefully, cheers."

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "We are aware of alleged racist comments on Twitter and have launched an investigation. The MPS is examining possible offences under Section 18/19 of the Public Order Act 1986."

Liam Stacey, 21, a student from Pontypridd in South Wales, was jailed for 56 days in March after racially abusing two Twitter users and mocking the Bolton footballer Fabrice Muamba after he collapsed.

PA