Orman Okunaiya plays for Irish Premier League club Larne

The club are investigating reports that Lewis Hamlin and Orman Okunaiya were racially abused by a group of Crusaders fans in Saturday's game.

McCready feels the onus is on supporters groups to take the lead in tackling the problem.

"They can make supporters aware of what is expected of them," he said.

"This is something which football as a whole has got to address.

"I'm aware that there was a seminar held by the IFA on the issue in December but maybe it's something that we need to push more and do in conjunction with the Irish League Supporters Association.

The complaints have come from reputable people and we are taking them seriously Larne chairman Sam McCready

"If these few idiots continue with this behaviour hopefully the rest of the good decent supporters who follow Irish League football will alienate them."

A number of Larne fans told Mr McCready that monkey chants and other verbal abuse had been directed at the two players during the Seaview contest.

One of the Larne players was in the stand watching the game and was said to be "scared and apprehensive" after the match.

"The complaints have come from reputable people and we are taking them seriously," said Mr McCready.

Those directing the alleged abuse were said to be teenagers and it is claimed that stewards standing nearby made no attempt to stop the chants.