OXFORD City Football Club have sacked striker Lee Steele after a homophobic remark appeared on his Twitter account.

Last night the FA confirmed it was also investigating the incident.

The post, about openly-gay Welsh rugby star and Celebrity Big Brother contestant Gareth Thomas, appeared on Mr Steele’s site on Thursday night.

It read: “I wouldn’t fancy the bed next to Gareth Thomas #padlockeda**ehole”

Bosses at Oxford City FC met on Tuesday night to discuss the issue, and released a statement yesterday morning.

It read: “Following a board meeting last night the club have issued the following brief statement to the FA.

“The Oxford City board have decided to release Lee Steele in view of his recent comment via social media which is considered seriously contrary to the ethos of the club.”

No-one from the club was available for further comment.

An FA spokesman confirmed its governance team was looking into the Twitter comment, which had been removed from the former Oxford United player’s account by 1pm the following day.

Mr Thomas came out as gay two years ago, and was one of 13 housemates to join the Channel 5 reality show, which launched last Thursday.