BLACKBURN Rovers star Kerimoglou Tugay will be questioned by police over an alleged spitting incident at Saturday's ill-tempered clash with Bolton Wanderers.

The Turkish midfielder is alleged to have spat at a Wanderers safety marshall, who has not been named, after the match at the Reebok stadium.

The 31-year-old Rovers star was suspended and did not play in the game. The incident is believed to have happened in the players tunnel and the steward reported his allegation to the police.

Officers then told Rovers manager Graeme Souness that they were investigating the matter.

Police said there was a "series of incidents" during and after the 1-1 draw, which saw Andy Cole sent off for violent conduct after just 18 minutes.

The former Manchester United striker, who scored the winning goal in last week's Worthington Cup triumph, was given his marching orders for retaliating after being fouled by Wanderers' defender Mike Whitlow.

Following his dismissal, Cole allegedly had to be restrained by Blackburn's club doctor, Phil Batty, after he tried to confront Whitlow.

Insp John Stainton, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "As a result of a series of incidents in the players tunnel at Saturday's game, we are investigating an allegation of assault made by a steward from Bolton Wanderers against a member of Blackburn's playing staff.

"Inquiries are ongoing and we will be interviewing the steward, the player and as many witnesses as possible. The matter will be taken from there."

Tugay joined Rovers last summer from Glasgow Rangers for £1.3 million. John Williams, Rovers chief executive, said: "We are aware that there was an incident in the tunnel after the game, but until we receive further information from the police we cannot make any further comment."

A Wanderers spokesman said: "As the alleged incident at Saturday's match is under police investigation, we will make no further comment."