Football: Blue finger salute from Le Saux

Police are looking into claims that Chelsea's Graeme Le Saux made obscene gestures at the London derby against Spurs on Saturday. Mark Bradley and Bill Pierce report.

Graeme Le Saux is to be questioned by police after he was accused by Spurs fans of sparking a crowd disturbance during his side's 6-1 victory at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

Several Spurs fans complained to police officers at the ground that Le Saux made rude gestures after Tore Andre Flo scored the Blues' first goal, six minutes before half-time. A policeman and a steward were injured as they attempted to stop fighting between rival supporters in what should have been a segregated section.

Scotland Yard detectives are expected to examine closed-circuit foot- age. The FA said it would await the referee's report.

Supporters' organisations expressed concern yesterday at what is believed to be the first use by police of CS gas at a British ground. Officers used the spray when trouble broke out among visiting fans at the end of the FA Cup second-round match between Scunthorpe and Ilkeston.

Monica Hartland, deputy chairman of the National Federation of Football Supporters' Clubs, said: "We do understand that the police need protection. However, we were assured CS gas would only be used as a last resort."