A black footballer who was released from his club is bringing a claim for race discrimination, it has emerged.
Mark McCammon, 33, claims he and other black players at Gillingham FC were treated differently from white players.
The player confirmed the story, which appeared in the Sunday Telegraph, saying only: "I'm hopeful that truth will prevail but I can't comment any further at this stage."
The newspaper said the case was believed to be the first race discrimination claim brought by a professional footballer.
McCammon, a Barbados international forward, signed a three-year contract with League Two club Gillingham in 2008, and was released three seasons later.
The former Charlton, Swindon, Millwall and Brighton player is currently with Conference team Braintree Town.
He is bringing a claim for race discrimination and unfair dismissal against his former club and its chairman, Paul Scally.
It is understood he will claim that he and other black players were treated less favourably than white players in terms of punishments handed out for missing training, medical treatments and pay cuts following the club's relegation.
The case is expected to be heard at an employment tribunal in Ashford, Kent during the summer.
A spokesman for Gillingham said: "The allegations made by Mark McCammon are wholly rejected by the club. It would not be appropriate for the club to comment further until the employment tribunal hearing has taken place."
Press Association, photo: Ealonian56