A Tranmere Rovers fan has been arrested over alleged homophobic abuse.
Both referee John Busby and Wycombe Wanderers goalkeeper Ryan Allsop were the subject of the taunts during the League One side’s 2-0 defeat on Sunday.
Allsop is understood to have reported the abuse to Busby at half time.
Police arrested a 24-year-old from Tranmere in connection with the incident and will now be questioned by officers at a station in Merseyside.
Merseyside Police confirmed they are working with both clubs and the Football Association, who are awaiting more information before taking potential action.
“We’re grateful to the player, both clubs and the stewarding staff for intervening and reporting these abhorrent incidents immediately,” said chief inspector Jason Crellin.
“We’re determined to do all in our powers to identify anyone involved in such offences, and ensure they are put before the courts.”
LGBT equality charity Stonewall welcomed the decision to investigate the incident in a social media post on Monday.
“We’re glad swift action was taken in addressing the homophobic abuse directed at Ryan Allsop,” they wrote.
“Anti-LGBT language has no place in football or any sports. We all have a part to play to make sport everyone’s game.”
Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth praised his player for reporting the abuse and continuing to play in the game at Prenton Park.
He said: “Whether it’s racist or homophobic, whatever it is, we have to stamp this out.
“I have got to credit Ryan Allsop for being brave enough to stand up and say ‘I’m reporting this’, and I’ll stand by him.”