The incident came just four days after several England players were racially abused during a friendly international against Spain in Madrid.

One fan was ejected from the ground and after consultation with the club, the police have now started criminal proceedings.

Blackburn released a club statement saying: “After hearing reports from the club’s safety officers and studying available CCTV and video footage of an incident involving a spectator and the Birmingham City player, Dwight Yorke, Lancashire Constabulary has now launched a criminal investigation.

“It goes without saying that we will give the police – who now intend to interview all relevant parties – our full co-operation during the length of that investigation.

“We cannot elaborate on the matter as it may prove to be prejudicial, but we would like to stress that this was an isolated incident and that we deeply regret any embarrassment caused to Dwight Yorke and Birmingham City Football Club.

“Over the years, the club has worked tirelessly to eliminate racism, working in close conjunction with organisations like Kick It Out, and we want to be quite clear that racism will not be tolerated at Ewood Park.

“We have kept the Premier League, the Football Association, the Professional Footballers Association and Birmingham City fully aware of progress and the general ongoing situation.”