Chelsea have pledged to take the “strongest possible action” after a video circulated on social media of a spectator allegedly using “abusive language of a sectarian nature” towards Aston Villa’s John McGinn.

The club have launched an investigation into abuse apparently directed at Scotland midfielder McGinn as he prepared to take a corner during Saturday’s Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, which Chelsea won 3-0. The west London club have appealed for help in identifying the alleged culprit.