Wigan, Nov. 29 (ANI): Following allegations by Wigan forward Darren Bent that his mother was racially abused by a Sunderland fan at the DW Stadium, police have launched an investigation into the episode.

The England forward posted a furious message on his twitter page immediately after the 1-0 defeat at the DW Stadium.

"So we get beaten by Wigan and to make matters worse my mum gets racially abused by a Sunderland fan. I won't stand for that," News of the World quoted Bent, as saying.

Sunderland officials confirmed they would assist Northumbria Police thoroughly over the incident.

"This club is liaising with Northumbria Police to fully investigate this matter. Behaviour of this kind if totally unacceptable to our football club," a Sunderland spokesperson said.

Bent moved to the Stadium of Light from Spurs in the summer in a move that could eventually cost 16.5 million pounds, a club record fee.

He had scored nine goals, regained his place in Fabio Capello's squad and has bought a property in Tyneside.

Sunderland had 5,000 followers at the DW Stadium yesterday to see their side lose away from home for the fifth time this season. (ANI)