Police investigate Tugay incident

Blackburn Rovers' delight at taking a point from Bolton Wanderers in Saturday's Premiership encounter, having been 1-0 down with 10 men, could be marred by the repercussions of their indiscipline.

Rovers already know they will lose Andy Cole to a three-match suspension after his dismissal for violent conduct. However, he may be more severely punished after twice being involved in incidents in the tunnel.

More seriously, police are investigating reports of a post-match incident between Tugay Kerimoglu, their Turkish midfielder, and a steward.

The trouble began when the England Under-21 captain, David Dunn, was allegedly shoved towards the away dressing room by a Bolton steward after a verbal exchange with a Bolton fan, resulting in his Rovers team-mates confronting the steward over his heavy-handed approach. But then Tugay joined in and the problem escalated.

Allegations of a punch and spitting reached the police's attention and the Greater Manchester force's spokesman said last night: "There was an incident at the Bolton v Blackburn game that we are investigating involving a Bolton official and what appeared to be a Blackburn Rovers player. This is the subject of a police inquiry, but at this stage we cannot confirm or deny that anyone has been arrested."

Cole, having been dismissed for stamping on Mike Whitlow, had to be taken into the dressing room at half-time by the club doctor, Phil Batty, as he tried to confront the Bolton player. The England striker and Whitlow also had words at the end of the game.