Tykes trio released by police

Paul Reid, Brian Howard and Marc Richards have been released without charge.

Barnsley trio Paul Reid, Brian Howard and Marc Richards have been released without charge by South Yorkshire Police following allegations of racially-motivated assault.

The three Tykes players were arrested following accusations from a Sheffield-based man that two of the men assaulted him, with a third allegedly verbally abusing the taxi driver.

However the Barnsley players have now been released without charge following a police investigation.

"Three men aged in their mid-20s - two from the Barnsley area and one from the Wakefield area - who were arrested in connection with an alleged racial incident which apparently occurred on March 7 have been released from police bail without charge," read a statement from South Yorkshire Police.

The Championship club have also confirmed that an internal investigation unearthed no evidence of wrongdoing so Reid (pictured), Howard and Richards will all now focus their attentions on steering The Tykes away from relegation.

"After an internal investigation the club found all three players had done no wrong and this was confirmed when the police formally dropped the matter without action," read a club statement.

"South Yorkshire Police have confirmed that, following their enquiries, no charges will be brought against any player. All three have been released from Police bail without any further action.

"The players have had the complete backing of Barnsley Football Club throughout and remain focused on getting the points needed to keep the team in the Championship this season starting with Saturday's game against Derby County at Oakwell."