Two Held Over Ameobi Racist Tweet Claims

Police have arrested two teenagers in connection with racist abuse posted on a Newcastle United footballer's Twitter account.

Sammy Ameobi, who plays for the Magpies alongside older brother Shola, was called a "n****r'' by a follower with the username @JonnnnyPhipps after the footballer tweeted a photo of a black pair of boots.

The 19-year-old, who broke into the first team at the end of last season and is becoming a fans' favourite, retweeted the abuse he received, and his attacker's account was closed down.

Both Newcastle United and the player reported the matter to police.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "On Wednesday November 2 Northumbria Police arrested two young men, both aged 17, on suspicion of malicious communication.

The arrests come after reports of a racist tweet being sent to one of the region's professional sportsmen.''

Ameobi had posted a message alongside the photo of the Nike boots, saying: "There will always be a place in my heart for the all blacks.''

The abuser replied: "Your hand is nearly the same colour. #n****r.''

Retweeting the message, Ameobi added: "Sad to see some people are still racist nowadays.''

The police investigation follows allegations of racial abuse directed at Anton Ferdinand of QPR and the Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.