Trouble flared moments after Harrison had secured his 11th successive professional victory taking just four minutes and 35 seconds to dispatch Blackpool’s brave Mathew Ellis.

Harrison picked up the ring microphone and invited Frank Bruno to join him in the ring – but ignored Hide, who was sitting in a BBC seat at ringside.

Hide, who has a history of problems outside the ring, insists he was merely waiting to join Harrison for his post-fight interview.

Hide said: “His security continued to hassle me, despite the fact that they had other matters to deal with.

“It appeared as if they were supposed to be working with another security team but they were just getting in each other’s way and a fight had broken out that had nothing to do with me or my companions.

“I stood up to make my way out to leave. I had to push my way out. At no stage did I push anyone intentionally to the floor.”

The British Boxing Board of Control and the local police are both investigating the incidents. Both Hide and Harrison could be called before the Board to explain their actions.

Hide in particular could face losing his licence if he is deemed to have acted unprofessionally again. In 1994 he brawled in a puddle with Michael Bentt and five years later turned over a press conference table in a bid to confront Danny Williams.

The Board’s general secretary Simon Block will view video evidence today. He said: “We are taking this inquiry very seriously. It is not exactly clear who was responsible for the initial disturbance.

“I can’t say what actually set off the problem but clearly the presence of Hide was a major factor in that.

“The guilt or innocence of Hide and Harrison now has to be determined.”

Harrison furiously rejected suggestions that his decision to pick up the microphone may have helped stir up the trouble.

Harrison said: “If anybody is looking for a scapegoat and had the audacity to criticise Audley Harrison I will go right off in their faces.

“It’s a promotion and it’s a bit of fun. The whole country has been talking about Frank Bruno and Herbie Hide is trying to jump on that bandwagon.

“The guy (Hide) is a powderkeg and he is liable to do anything. I am just so disappointed and I want to apologise to my fans.”

Harrison had produced the best and worst of his career in a tumultuous contest against Ellis.

He clearly lost the first round and was troubled by an Ellis right hand. But he stormed out after the interval and landed a crushing left uppercut for the first of three knockdowns before referee Terry O’Connor waved the contest off.

But Harrison’s win was completely overshadowed by the events afterwards and there are clearly harsh lessons to be learned.

The show’s promoter Jess Harding blamed the BBC for going against his advice and installing Hide in a ringside seat.

But there are clearly many parties who have harsh lessons to learn on another night of shame for British boxing.