BLACKBURN ROVERS fans today hit back at criticism of the club's supporters after a racism row erupted over alleged taunts aimed at former player Dwight Yorke.

And they claimed national media had gone "over the top" by linking the incident to widespread racist abuse levelled at England players in last week's clash with Spain. Rovers fan and Evening Telegraph columnist Jason Whalley, said: "I was very near to where the players were warming up and I didn't hear any racial chanting whatsoever."

Yorke was reported as being very upset at the reaction of a section of the Rovers crowd to him during the 3-3 draw between Rovers and Birmingham City at Ewood yesterday.

And his manager Steve Bruce claimed his player had been subjected to racial abuse and monkey chants.

Others in the ground, however, said the ex-Rovers player had been singled out because of his poor performances when he had played for Blackburn.

Mr Whalley said: "It is unfair that these allegations are being levelled at Rovers fans if what happened appears to be the actions of one fan.

"The Sky television footage might prove me wrong but I didn't think there was any racist abuse.

Simon Leigh, another Rovers fan, said: "My view is that he was getting abuse about being lazy while he was at the club.

"I don't think the chanting was racially motivated."

Police and the club were today investigating claims the Birmingham striker had been subjected to monkey taunts.

Police are considering what action is necessary for a supporter evicted from the game at Ewood Park after Yorke alleged he had been abused by two home fans.

Insp Stuart Bruce of Lancashire Police said the incident had left an "unpleasant taste", but stressed that the behaviour of Rovers' fans in general over the years had been extremely good.