Diouf in spitting probe

Bolton striker El-Hadji Diouf is the subject of a police investigation following allegations that he spat at Middlesbrough supporters last week.

As a result, Diouf could face a similar charge to the one which saw him fined £5,000 at Glasgow Sheriff Court in September last year after pleading guilty to assault under provocation for spitting at Celtic fans in a UEFA Cup tie.

Cleveland police launched an investigation after an 11-year-old Boro fan complained that the Senegal striker – on loan from Liverpool – spat a mouthful of juice at him during the 1-1 draw at the Riverside.

The supporter, James Shield, told the Daily Mail: “I was sat behind the Bolton subs who were in the dug-out.

“Diouf just turned round and spat between the glass of the dug-out. It was orange juice or Lucozade. It just flew through the gap and hit me.”

A spokesman for Cleveland police said: “We are investigating a complaint made by this family into the alleged actions of a Bolton footballer at the Middlesbrough against Bolton game.”