Urawa Reds said they removed a banner that could be construed as racist from an entrance gate to spectator seats at a J. League match Saturday between Reds and Sagan Tosu.

The banner in question had the words "Japanese Only" written on and club staff asked for it to be taken down. The person that put up the banner has not been identified, according to Urawa.

A statement on Reds' official website said: "We are working to establish the facts of this incident."

"As far as this club is concerned, racist language or behavior is totally inexcusable. Urawa Reds abide by the six tenets of the Sports For Peace program, including a ban on racist conduct"

Opinion was divided among Reds supporters over whether the banner was racist.

One man, a 36-year-old company employee said, "It's terrible. Inexcusable," while another, a 50-year-old salaryman said, "I think the meaning behind it is for Japanese to pump up the J. League."