LA Galaxy say they are working with Derrick Williams after the former Rovers defender was the subject of racial abuse on social media.

It followed a red card shown to the Galaxy defender for a foul that ended the season of Portland's Andy Polo.

His club say they are working with the MLS and other authorities after Williams, who was the subject of racist abuse in 2018 during his time at Rovers, was targeted online.

The 28-year-old was born in Germany to an Irish mother and a black American father, but represents Republic of Ireland on the international stage having grown up there.

Galaxy coach Greg Vanney hopes the authorities punish the perpetrators, with the club continuing to support Willliams who was making his fourth appearance.

In an interview with AP, Vanney said: “Obviously, he was incredibly remorseful.

“He reached out to (Polo) in the moment. He reached out to the player after. The loser right now in this is the player who is out for the rest of the year. Derrick is now suffering from some other things that should not be happening and taking place, whether it's social media or whatnot, that are complete nonsense as well.

"He's a good guy who, at the end of the day, got a tackle very wrong, and he knows that."

Williams signed for Rovers in 2016 from Bristol City, winning the player of the year prize in his first season and then playing all but one match in the League One promotion campaign.

He left in March, when approaching the final months of his deal, after playing 152 times.