Motherwell have issued an apology to St Johnstone's Jason Scotland, following racist taunts directed at the player during Wednesday's Scottish Cup tie.
Scotland was subjected to abuse from a section of Motherwell fans during Saints' 2-1 victory at Fir Park.
Nearby supporters reported the offending fans and police intervened.
In a statement, Motherwell owner John Boyle said: "These people should never show their faces at Fir Park again and they have no place in football."
Boyle added: "We are utterly appalled by this behaviour by a small group of people who have tarnished the name of our club.
"We are writing to Jason Scotland and St Johnstone today to apologise for this disgusting behaviour which is totally alien to all of us at Motherwell.
"We are utterly appalled by this behaviour by a small group of people who have tarnished the name of our club"
"We pride ourselves in being a family club which welcomes everyone to Fir Park.
"The police and stewards took what action they thought appropriate at the time.
"I was told there had been some kind of incident and it had been dealt with quickly but was unaware of the details and the seriousness of it.
"We are making further inquiries today to see if we can identify those involved in order to take action against them.
"We are appealing to our own supporters to help identify the culprits.
"I would be stunned if they are season ticket holders as there has been no evidence of this kind of behaviour in the past.
"We were disappointed to lose the match but we wish Jason Scotland and his team all the best in the Cup.
"They deserved their win and we are sorry if it was soured by the actions of a few idiots."
Martin Rose, chairman of the Motherwell Supporters Trust, added: "We are united with the Club in condemning this repugnant behaviour in the strongest possible terms.
"I was in the main stand and raised the matter immediately with the match commander.
"Thankfully, it was nipped in the bud quickly by decent Motherwell fans, stewards and the police."
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