Toni Duggan apologises for 'blacking up' for fancy dress party after Manchester City striker goes as 'Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act'

England and Manchester City’s Toni Duggan has apologised for ‘blacking up’ (Getty Images)

Manchester City striker Toni Duggan scored for England women against Italy, just hours after she was forced to apologise for "blacking up" at a fancy dress party.

The 22-year-old, who is an ambassador for anti-racism group Kick It Out, painted her face black and dressed as a nun to imitate Whoopi Goldberg in the film Sister Act.

She issued an apology as the Football Association asked for photos of the party to be removed from players' social media accounts. Kick It Out said it will stand by the player and is thought to believe the incident has been blown out of proportion.

On the pitch in Larnaca, goals from Birmingham's Karen Carney and Duggan allowed England to begin their Cyprus Cup defence with a 2-0 win over Italy.

Carney smashed home a penalty on the stroke of half-time after Duggan had been felled. Manchester City's new signing then sealed the win on 62 minutes with a surging run and precise finish.

England next take on Finland on Friday.