CHERRIES have created a social media abuse policy, in a bid to tackle online hate directed at its players, staff and supporters.

Along with the rest of the EFL, Cherries took part in a social media boycott over the weekend, with many more sports governing bodies and media organisations also joining the blackout.

A number of Cherries players have been subjected to online abuse this season, with Chris Mepham, Junior Stanislas and Jefferson Lerma all speaking out on the issue.

A statement since the boycott released by Cherries read: "With the club committed to ensuring that AFC Bournemouth continues to promote diversity, equality and inclusion, and is a welcoming environment for everyone, a specialist social media abuse policy has been introduced.

"The policy provides a mechanism for the club to record and report incidences of online hate, ensuring the correct action is taken against the perpetrators, be that by social media platforms or the police.

"As part of the policy, the club has introduced an email address for supporters to report any online abuse they witness or are subjected to."

Fans can confidentially email report.abuse@afcb.co.uk with evidence of hate they have seen online.

That email address will sit alongside the club's existing matchday reporting number, 07968 980 580, which is designed specifically for events inside Vitality Stadium.