Victoria Police have launched an investigation after claims a spectator levelled a vile racist rant at a Brisbane trainer during the Lions’ loss to the Western Bulldogs.

Vision surfaced on Sunday of an unidentified man leaning over a grandstand railing at Etihad Stadium allegedly hurling abuse at the trainer after he incurred a 50m penalty at a crucial time in Saturday’s game.

The man is heard to yell ‘Go back to the f***ing Chinese takeaway, you d***head.’

The AFL will not take any action against Giants player Heath Shaw for an offensive sledge during the Sydney derby. @MFelgate7 #7News pic.twitter.com/WZv43YyONA

— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) April 23, 2017

“Police have advised us that they are investigating the matter after a complaint was made to them,” AFL spokesman Patrick Keane told the league’s website.

“We would provide whatever assistance or information to assist their investigation that we’re asked to, but obviously we would wait for them in that how they proceed will be a matter for police to determine.

“We would repeat again that such behaviour is never welcome or condoned at our matches.”

The incident comes just weeks after indigenous players from Adelaide and Port Adelaide were subjected to racist abuse from the crowd during their clash at Adelaide Oval.

Meanwhile, Heath Shaw has apologised for “insensitive” comments made to Sydney’s Tom Papley, which were picked up by on-field microphones.

Veteran back Shaw was picked up on an umpires’ microphone calling Swans forward Papley “a f***ing retard”, and moved on Sunday morning to apologise for his words.

“I want to apologise for the insensitive comment I made to Tom Papley during last night’s game,” Shaw said.

The man who allegedly yelled racial abuse at a trainer. Photo: Yahoo7

“Yes I am a fiery person who plays with a lot of passion and emotion but that is no excuse for my actions last night.

“I apologise to Tom and anyone else who took offence to my comments, I deeply regret them.

“There is no place for comments of that nature on or off the football ground. It was an offensive remark that I should never have made and for that I apologise.”

Fox Footy commentator Jason Dunstall immediately apologised after the remark was put to air.

But Richmond coach Damien Hardwick joined Sydney premiership coach Paul Roos and St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis in questioning the broadcaster’s role

“I think Heath would be a bit embarrassed by that but it probably more so begs the question ‘Do we really need mics?” Hardwick said.

“Is it Heath’s problem or is the broadcaster’s?

“They’ve got a delay button they can probably press … we don’t want to hear swearing with kids watching on TV.

“Heath’s got a responsibility but I think the broadcasters do as well in limiting (the broadcast of) that sort of profanity.

“From the broadcasting point-of-view I’d be taking it further … I don’t think we need that profanity on TV.”

The Giants won by 42 points.

-AAP