Malappuram: A 22-year-old Ivory Coast footballer, Diarrassouba Hassane Junior was chased and thrashed by spectators during a football tournament at Areekode in Kerala's Malappuram district. He also alleged that the crowd had racially abused him. Police booked 15 people after the footballer approached the district police chief with a complaint.

Hassane Junior was representing the football club, Jawahar Mavoor, which was taking part in a Sevens football tournament.

The incident which took place on Sunday unfolded after a video went viral on social media in which several people can be seen chasing Hassane Junior, who is seen scampering on the ground.

However, a few spectators said that the incident started when the football player kicked one of them.

Hassane, representing the local club Newlala Pookolathur, in his complaint to local police also admitted that spectators called him "African monkey" and "Black.”

Police slapped charges including attempt to murder, causing hurt using weapon and criminal intimidation against the accused. Sources close to police hinted that the accused will be arrested in the coming days.

(With IANS inputs)