Irish police are investigating a claim by Manchester City defender Gaël Clichy that a banana was thrown on to the pitch during a friendly match between his club and Limerick Football Club.

According to The Guardian police and stadium officials are now studying CCTV footage in an attempt to identify the spectator who allegedly threw the object on to the pitch during Manchester City's 4-0 victory at Thomond Park on Sunday.

A statement by Limerick FC said: 'The Gardai (Irish Police) and stadium officials are reviewing the CCTV recordings to attempt to identify an individual involved in the throwing of an offensive object on to the playing field.

'Any individual identified as being involved in an incident of this nature will be banned from future attendance and the matter will be handed over to the Gardai. All those involved with the friendly game fully condemn all forms of unacceptable behavior of this nature.'

Manchester City has not yet made a formal complaint about the incident, but Clichy gave his thoughts on his Twitter account after the match. 'How sad to see bananas thrown on the pitch tonight… Knowing people around the world need food. #nowordsforthis.'