Footballer 'insulted disabled fan'

Greater Manchester Police are investigating claims that Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie yelled abuse at a disabled fan during their 3-1 Premiership defeat at Manchester United.

Hendrie, who was an unused substitute for the January 13 clash at Old Trafford, is alleged to have made insulting comments to a wheelchair-bound fan while he was warming up.

It is claimed the 29-year-old England midfielder became involved in a slanging match with United fans in the area before making abusive comments and gestures towards a fan.

A police spokeswoman, who refused to comment on the specific nature of the alleged comments, said that a formal complaint was made following the game and an investigation was launched

She said: "Police are continuing to investigate reports of abusive comments and gestures at the Manchester United versus Aston Villa match at Old Trafford on Saturday, January 13. The reports were made shortly before 7.10pm that night and investigations into the incident are ongoing."

Hendrie has not been interviewed by police, who described the inquiry as at an "information-gathering" stage and a spokesman for Aston Villa Football Club said: "We have spoken to Lee about the allegations and he vehemently denies them."