Everton manager Roberto Martinez has admitted that Arouna Kone and Steven Pienaar were "hurt" by alleged racist abuse during their FA Cup victory over Carlisle United this afternoon.
Police are investigating an incident which is said to have occurred in the immediate aftermath of Everton's first goal in their 3-0 win, which saw Kone give the Toffees the lead after less than two minutes.
Both managers agreed for an announcement to be made condemning such behaviour, but Martinez stressed that it was a "one-off incident" in an otherwise good-natured match.
"We will help the police, Carlisle and everyone to make sure that it doesn't happen again," Martinez told reporters.
"[Kone and Pienaar] are okay. I think they were sensitive and hurt at that moment - probably they were fearful about the game developing into a difficult afternoon. But it was a one-off incident.
"As you know, there is no room for that sort of behaviour. But I must stress it was a very small minority and I want to believe that it was just an emotional reaction to the disappointment of conceding a goal."
Everton's reward for beating their League Two opponents is a visit to face Bournemouth at Dean Court in the fifth round.
