Ex-footballer makes 'racist' remarks at ball

Former international footballer David Speedie sparked outrage after using the terms "blackies" and "niggers" at a charity function.

Former international footballer David Speedie sparked outrage after using the terms "blackies" and "niggers" at a charity function.

The former Chelsea, Liverpool and Scotland international made the racist remarks just days after the fury surrounding England's ill-tempered clash with Spain which was marred by racist chanting aimed at England's black players.

Speedie started the evening by agreeing with comments made by shamed TV pundit Ron Atkinson.

Atkinson resigned earlier this year after calling former Chelsea star Marcel Desailly insulting racist names.

Speedie was speaking at a Darlington Supporters' Trust sportsman's dinner on Friday evening at a town hotel in aid of the Percy Hedley Foundation charity when he made his remarks.

Meanwhile, Lancashire police said yesterday that it was launching a criminal investigation into alleged racist abuse against the Birmingham striker, Dwight Yorke, by Blackburn fans at Sunday's match.