|
"We are investigating an allegation of assault made by one of the stewards against a member of the Blackburn Rovers playing staff. Andy Cole is not the subject of the inquiry."
Cole was sent off after apparently stamping on Bolton defender Mike Whitlow, and, although Blackburn boss Graeme Souness admitted that the decision was right, he was furious at the reaction of the Bolton player.
"Andy deserved to be sent off but the play acting was the worst aspect of it," he raged. "It's unacceptable for me. Is that what it has come to? But having said that, Andy had to go."
Whitlow picked up a yellow card for the challenge that led to Cole's retaliation, but Souness thought the sanction could have been worse.
"I've seen players sent off for that kind of tackle," he said. "It could have caused serious injury."
Midfielder Tugay also faces a police investigation following a "clash" after the 1-1 draw with Bolton on Saturday.
Allegations of punching and spitting have been leveled at the Turk after he stepped in following an incident involving a steward and Rovers teammate David Dunn at the final whistle.
A police insider spokesperson said: "We are investigating an incident at the Bolton and Blackburn game. It's the subject of a police inquiry but no arrests have been made."
Suspended for the game, Tugay watched the match with Blackburn supporters behind the goal.