Former Town midfielder Grant Ward was subjected to "abhorrent, racist abuse" on social media following his current club Blackpool’s 1-0 win at Sunderland on Tuesday, the Seasiders have said.
The abusive message has been reported to the police and to Instagram by the Tangerines, who have issued a statement: "Blackpool Football Club is appalled by the abhorrent, racist abuse received by Grant Ward following the team’s fixture at Sunderland last night.
"The contents of the message, on his Instagram account, have since been reported to the social media platform and are now being investigated by the police.
"Grant has the club’s full and unwavering support in this matter, as we continue to collectively take a stand in the fight against racism and online hatred. Enough is enough.”
Clubs across football, including Town and Blackpool, will be staging a social media boycott from 15.00 on Friday until 23.59 on Monday "in response to the ongoing and sustained discriminatory abuse received online by players and many others connected to football” and to call on social media companies to take more action regarding online hate.
Some clubs are encouraging their fans to join the boycott, while the England and Wales Cricket Board, first-class counties, the Professional Cricketers' Association and the Lawn Tennis Association have also pledged to take part, as have a number of media organisations including Talksport and BT Sport. TWTD will also be joining the boycott.