Worsbrough Bridge striker Brad Kerr is fighting for his future with Barnsley FC after he was sent off on Saturday for allegedly calling an opposition player an 'Albanian.'

The 18-year-old from Wombwell, who had just begun a six-week trial at Oakwell, denies the claims but has been told not to come into training with the Reds while the club investigates the first half incident in the 1-1 draw between Bridge and Selby Town on Saturday. Reds chief executive Ben Mansford told the Chronicle: "We are aware of the allegations surrounding Brad's red card and we have suspended the trial until we get to the bottom of it."

Selby say that Kerr called Nathan Kamara – the nephew of Sky Sports pundit Chris – an 'Albanian' as an adjective followed by a swear word during a foul-mouthed rant. They believe that is a racist slur although Kamara is not Albanian.

The Sheffield and Hallamshire have received the initial referee's report on Kerr's red card and sent it to the FA at Wembley as a 'discrimination matter.'

Kerr admits to swearing but insists he said 'I'll bray you', rather than 'Albanian' and that both the referee and the Selby players misheard him.

Kamara reacted furiously and was also sent off for trying to get into the changing rooms to confront Kerr at half-time. While both players are likely to face bans, the repercussions may be worse for Kerr whose form for Bridge had earned him a trial at Barnsley and a place in the Reds' under 21s team.

Kerr – who took time off from his job as a scaffolder to go on trial at Oakwell – says he will go to court to fight any allegations of racism and is determined to get another chance at Oakwell. He told the Chronicle: "It's a dream come true for me to get a trial with my hometown club Barnsley and I will be devastated if it is ruined by a misunderstanding.

"I am not racist.  I did not say what has been reported. Why would I call him Albanian? I don't understand. "I have black friends and I would never say anything racist. That's not me."

Selby's secretary Tommy Arkley said: "It was definitely a racist comment. I have been told by three players, none of whom are Nathan, that they heard it. "Seeing Nathan that wound up is something I've never seen before."

Tommy confirmed that he has sent a report of how he saw the incident to the league and to the West Riding Football Association.