A player was racially abused as violence and disorder erupted during a Scottish Championship match at the weekend.

Supporters racially abused Livingston Football Club captain Darren Cole during the club's away game against Dumbarton on Saturday.

Ugly scenes broke out in the away end as a small group fans chanted racist abuse at Cole, while bottles of alcohol were smashed and one person attacked.

Police have now launched and investigation into the "antisocial behaviour, violence and racial abuse by a small number of spectators" at the match which ended 1-0 to Dumbarton.

The trouble is believed to have been among Livingston FC fans and the club has released a statement saying the individuals involved arrived at the game drunk and smuggled bottles into the stadium. Bottles were smashed inside the ground and one fan launched an assault on a fellow supporter.

Police have launched an investigation with Livingston FC vowing to assist with inquiries and launching their own appeal for supporters to identify the culprits.

A statement from the club said: "Livingston FC has received several complaints regarding the behaviour of a small group of so-called supporters who attended the game in Dumbarton.

"We understand these individuals allegedly arrived at the game drunk, and illegally secreted bottles of alcohol into the Stadium. It’s further alleged that one or more of these bottles was later smashed inside the stand, and one individual launched an assault upon another.

"We have also been told that this same group shouted racist abuse at Darren Cole, among a list of other expletives aimed at our club captain. We are now fully investigating this issue and shall advise further in due course.

"Suffice to say we expect our supporters to act as ambassadors for the club, especially when the team is playing away from home. The overwhelming majority do just this, but all it takes is one rotten apple to taint the reputation of the club and all our decent supporters.

"We fully accept that football generates passion in the stands, and from time to time frustrations boil over into verbal comments. These are part of the game – but only within reason. We operate a zero tolerance approach to racist abuse, and those found to have indulged in such acts will be dealt with accordingly.

"Violence and other antisocial behaviour is similarly not tolerated, and we will cooperate fully with Police Scotland should this ever be required.

"If you can help us identify those involved, please email us in confidence atlfcreception@livingstonfc.co.uk."

A statement from Police Scotland said: "Police are appealing for information following reports of antisocial behaviour, violence and racial abuse by a small number of spectators during the Dumbarton FC V Livingston FC football match at Dumbarton Football Stadium on Saturday 30 January 2016.

"Police Scotland is liaising with both football clubs to establish the circumstances and would encourage anyone who witnessed these incidents or who has any information that will assist officers with their enquiries to contact Dumbarton Police Office via 101."