Blackburn Rovers striker Alan Shearer is being probed by police after being accused of making an intimidating gesture while celebrating his goal against Middlesbrough last week.

Two Middlesbrough fans have complained to Blackburn police that the after-goal jibe at the away supporters could have led to crowd trouble.

And today Chief Inspector James Artingstoll was beginning the task of checking club footage of the incident.

Police surveillance footage has already been checked and given the all clear.

The Blackburn-based officer said he would be speaking to the policemen and women who were on duty at the Ewood park ground during last week's game.

He added: "We have received two complaints regarding an alleged intimidating gesture made by Alan Shearer after he had scored his goal."

Today Blackburn Rovers Chairman Rob Coar said the club had been informed of the allegations against the player.

He added: "The police told me what they intended to do almost a week ago and I haven't heard anything since.

"We will wait to see what action the police are going to take before making any decision on what we will do."

A spokesman for the Football Association said the matter was being investigated by the police.

He said the offence the player was alleged to have committed would fall under behaviour likely to bring the game into disrepute, punishment for which ranges from a simple censure to a complete ban.

Shearer had been taunted throughout the match and after his goal ran towards - as our picture shows - and shouted to the fans.

Today it was revealed that Chief Inspector Artingstoll has also been asked to investigate the Middlesbrough manager and several players for making intimidating gestures to the referee at the end of the game.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.