BOLTON Wanderers are appealing to fans to support their zero-tolerance stance on racism.

Club officials believe they have gone a long way towards wiping out racist or any other form of anti-social behaviour at the Reebok but admit they cannot afford to become complacent and are urging supporters to play their part.

"It is the responsibility of the club and its fans to eradicate racism from the terraces and Bolton Wanderers is fully committed to making the Reebok Stadium a pleasant and safe environment to watch football," spokesman Danny Reuben said.

"It is important not to be complacent and above all else we must continue to reinforce the message that racism is not tolerated in modern society."

Today, as Sam Allardyce and his players officially gave their support to the national "Kick It Out" anti-racism initiative, Wanderers acknowledged the receipt of a recent complaint, passed on by the Bolton Evening News, from a fan of Asian origin who was targeted for abuse.

The Reebok regular had never been subjected to abuse until he attended the Birmingham game three weeks ago, but now says he understands why many people from his community stay away from football. The supporter, who does not want his identity revealed, said: "I was appalled at the treatment I received from my fellow fans.

"Words cannot describe how it feels to be rejected at the ground of the team I have supported as a child.

"I do not want to experience anything like that again and the best way to do that is not to go at all. The sad thing is that I was seriously considering buying a season ticket, but after this I'm not going to bother."

Wanderers, who have pledged to investigate all complaints of racist behaviour, were hammering home the message at this afternoon's Reebok clash with Crystal Palace.

"The work of organisations such as 'Kick It Out' is vital," Mr Reuben said as Ricardo Gardner led the Bolton players' support for Europe's biggest ever anti-racism initiative.

"They have gone a long way to help eradicate racism from football and Bolton Wanderers are delighted to do their bit to help get a positive message across.

"The club's stewards and security staff, who have undergone comprehensive training in dealing with all forms of racist behaviour, will wear 'Kick It Out' badges to help drive home the club's anti-racism message; and there will be announcements on the PA system and electronic scoreboard prior to the game and at half-time. Wanderers have a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and anti-social behaviour of any kind at the Reebok Stadium. "

An exhibition devoted to the impact of black footballers in British football opened today. Presented by the "Kick It Out" campaign, the National History of Black Footballers Exhibition at Leigh's Turnpike Gallery explodes the popular myth that black players have only been prevalent since the 1970s. It runs until October 30.