Police have launched an inquiry into alleged online racist abuse against two England players after their missed penalties in the team’s quarter-final exit on Sunday.

Ashley Cole and Ashley Young were singled out for comments on Twitter. The user suggested police would understand the remarks were posted in jest. “Wrong. Your comments may constitute a public order offence. We have advised complainants how to officially report this to police,” West Midlands Police tweeted in response.

A student who used Twitter to mock Bolton Wanderers’ Fabrice Muamba after the soccer player suffered a cardiac arrest playing in an FA Cup tie was jailed for inciting racial hatred in March.