The FA have sprung to the defence of Ashley Cole and Ashley Young, after the England pair were identified for racist abuse on Twitter after missing penalties at Euro 2012.

The Three Lions were eliminated from the tournament in Ukraine and Poland by Italy at the quarter-finals stage after the pair failed to score from the spot.

The duo have been targeted for abuse on the social networking site, with police having already started investigations to unearth the guilty parties.

The FA have released a statement in support of the under-fire pair, and is shocked by the incidents after the players gave their all for England this summer.

"We are concerned at the allegations of abuse aimed at England players Ashley Cole and Ashley Young on Twitter," a statement on the governing body's official website reads.

"They have just given everything for the national team at Euro 2012 and it is appalling and unacceptable that messages of an abusive type are being posted. We support any police investigation in identifying who is behind this."

The Metropolitan police have also released a statement to confirm that they are in the process of investigation.

"We are aware of alleged racist comments on Twitter following England game and have launched an investigation," a statement reveals.

"The allegation was made to MPS on 25 June by a member of the public relating to comments on a Twitter account supposedly based in London.

"There have been no arrests at this early stage.

"The MPS is examining possible offences under Section 18/19 Public Order Act 1986."

By Gareth McKnight

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