A BASINGSTOKE technology company has launched an investigation after a racist tweet was allegedly posted by a staff member following England's Euro 2020 defeat.

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were inundated with racist comments within seconds of missing out on penalties during the clash against Italy on Sunday night.

Among the thousands of abusive messages, was a tweet from the social media account of an employee at the Basingstoke firm, Fujitsu, sent approximately eight minutes after Saka failed to score.

Basingstoke Gazette: (Image: PA)(Image: PA)

The tweet from an account belonging to Kevin Barker, listed on Linkedin as a distribution account manager at Fujitsu, was posted at 10.54pm and read: "Amazing the ones that missed all weren't English."

It prompted fury among fellow social media users online, with one man writing: "For anyone who says we do not have a problem in this country. Imagine having to tell your son, who dreams of playing for England, if you miss [a penalty], this type of hate will come for you. You don’t get to sit on the fence when it comes to racism. Oh and being [drunk] isn't an excuse.”

Mr Barker's Twitter account has since been deleted or suspended and the tweet can no longer be viewed. He has been contacted for comment.

The IT firm, who has offices in Jays Close and Grafton Way, told The Gazette that an investigation is underway.

Basingstoke Gazette: (ITV/PA)(ITV/PA)

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A spokesperson for Fujitsu told the Gazette: “While Fujitsu does not comment on individual employees, we can confirm that an investigation into the matter is currently underway.

“We would like to make it clear that Fujitsu does not tolerate racism in any form. We have zero tolerance to any form of harassment and bullying and will take action against employees whose activity contravenes our values.”

Elsewhere, a children’s football coach has been arrested and released under investigation over a racist tweet directed at England star Marcus Rashford.

Nick Scott was detained on suspicion of inciting racial hatred after Twitter users flagged a post from his account telling the Manchester United player to ‘get to ya own country’.

The 50-year-old has denied sending the message and insists his account was ‘hacked’.

Savills estate agents have also suspended an employee after he posted vile racist abuse at England's players, saying "N****** ruined it for us."

The FA and the Prime Minister were quick to condemn the incidents, insisting they were "appalled" before saying: “This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media. Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.”