The English Football Association is investigating claims of racist chanting directed at Middlesbrough's Egyptian striker Mido by Newcastle United fans during Saturday's Premier League match.

The Egyptian was briefly subjected to Islamophobic taunts while he was warming up at the Riverside, in a repeat of scenes in the same fixture last season.

"We'll work with the clubs and potentially the police to identify those responsible. We would call for individuals found guilty to be banned," an FA spokesman said.

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is hoping the culprits will be caught but does not believe Newcastle should be punished.

He said: "We have to rise above it. If people want to shout those things it's a reflection on them. There's a danger we go on a witch hunt. What do you do? Punish the club?

"They can't do anything about their travelling fans. It's individual decisions to sing what they want. I don't think that's fair. How can a club the size of Newcastle control individuals?

"It's a sensitive one and I understand the importance, but I don't want to put the pressure on an excellent club like Newcastle."