Hendrie denies fan's Old Trafford abuse claims

Police have begun an inquiry after claims that Lee Hendrie yelled abuse at a disabled fan during a match. The Aston Villa midfielder is alleged to have made insulting comments to a wheelchair-bound supporter during the team's game against Manchester United at Old Trafford on 13 January. The former England international, who did not play in the match, was a substitute and was warming up on the touchline close to the disabled fans' area.

A spokesman for Aston Villa Football Club said: "We have spoken to Lee about the allegations and he vehemently denies them."

It is claimed that the 29-year-old midfielder became involved in a slanging match with United fans in the area before making abusive comments and gestures towards a fan, named in reports as Andy Wild, of Sale, Greater Manchester.

A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said a formal complaint was made after the game and an investigation was launched. "Police are continuing to investigate reports of abusive comments and gestures at... Old Trafford on Saturday, January 13," she said.

She refused to comment on the specific nature of the alleged comments. Hendrie has not been interviewed by police, who described the inquiry as at an "information-gathering" stage.