Liam Rosenior’s comments come after UEFA launched an investigation into allegations that Vinicius Jr was racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Benfica on Tuesday night.

Gkingmusik reports that Prestianni has denied the allegation. If found guilty, he could face a suspension of at least 10 matches in European competition.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s weekend fixture, Rosenior did not hold back when asked about the situation involving Vinicius.

“If any player, any coach or any manager is found guilty of racism, they shouldn’t be in the game. It’s as simple as that,” he said.

“It’s upsetting. Always, there needs to be context to it. What I will say, you can see any form of racism in society, not just football, is unacceptable.

“I cannot speak about an incident where an investigation is ongoing. What I would say is when you see a player upset how Vinicius Jr was upset, normally they’re upset for a reason.”

UEFA’s disciplinary process is now under way, with European football’s governing body expected to review match reports and any available footage before reaching a verdict.

Meanwhile, off the pitch in England, Leicester City are fighting their own battle after appealing a six-point deduction imposed for breaching English Football League financial rules.

The penalty, handed down by an independent commission earlier this month, dropped the Foxes to 20th in the Championship table, hovering just above the relegation zone on goal difference. Back-to-back defeats have since pushed them into the bottom three, two points adrift of safety.

The Premier League has also lodged an appeal, challenging the commission’s decision not to sanction Leicester for the late submission of their annual accounts.

“To provide certainty for all clubs and fans, the Premier League will be seeking to have the appeal resolved urgently, and in any event before the end of the EFL season,” a Premier League statement said.

Both appeals have now been submitted to the chair of the judicial panel, who will appoint an appeal board to hear the case in the coming weeks.