FA to probe United stars

Merseyside Police are almost certain to let the Football Association deal with the allegations involving Manchester United stars at Everton over the weekend.

Everton have received complaints from fans after United's dramatic 4-3 win at Goodison Park and will formally pass on any allegations to police, who seem likely to leave the matter with the FA.

Everton fans have alleged that United players verbally abused them during the game. Ian Ross, the club's head of corporate affairs, said: 'We will collect all the complaints together and in about a week's time, pass them on to the police.

'They can then decide to do nothing, pass them on to the FA or ask to talk to the players involved.'

Police and club officials have been studying footage of the match, and the FA have also asked for a video of the game and written to Everton over an alleged bottle-throwing incident that involved United's Portuguese youngster Cristiano Ronaldo.

Merseyside Police issued a statement, saying: 'We have been in further contact with Everton and have been advised that the club will be following up all the complaints received from supporters. Merseyside Police are satisfied, at this stage, from the nature of the allegations that they may be properly dealt with by the game's governing body, the FA, and that the course of action taken by the club is entirely proportionate.'

That seems to leave the ball in the FA's court after Everton received complaints from fans on Saturday regarding the conduct of Roy Keane, Ronaldo and Gary Neville as they celebrated United's winner.

An Everton statement added: 'Everton have written to those supporters who have already lodged a complaint requesting that, if they so desire, they formally outline their observation within seven days.'

Ross added: 'What surprised us was that the complaints came from all parts of the ground. We have had many and they are still flooding in.'