The English Premier League club and Northumbria Police are investigating a complaint in the wake of Sunday's fixture at St James' Park, which the visitors won 3-2.

"Newcastle United is aware of an alleged racist gesture made by an individual towards Tottenham Hotspur supporters inside St James' Park during Sunday's match," a Newcastle statement said.

"An investigation is underway and the police have been made aware.

"Our message is clear - football is for everyone. Discrimination has absolutely no place in football, in the street, online or in wider society and we will not tolerate it under any circumstances.

"Newcastle United will pursue the strongest possible action against anyone involved in discriminatory behaviour and will support any efforts by the authorities to secure a criminal conviction."

Newcastle said it would adhere to the EPL's commitment regarding abusive and discriminatory conduct "which facilitates the banning of any fan found to have been involved in abusive and/or discriminatory conduct from all Premier League stadia".

"For this alleged incident to take place at a time when all Premier League clubs are visibly supporting the No Room For Racism campaign shows the work we all have ahead of us, to which we remain absolutely committed," the club said.

Northumbria Police have warned they will take "swift and robust action" against those found guilty of discriminatory offences.

The alleged incident happened during an eventful afternoon at St James' in the club's first game under their new Saudi-backed owners, with play being suspended for 20 minutes during the first half because of a medical emergency in the stands.

Australian Associated Press