Police are investigating claims that Everton's teenage striker Wayne Rooney spat at Liverpool fans during Saturday's Merseyside derby.
"Merseyside police have today issued a statement insisting they will be investigating claims that Wayne Rooney spat towards Reds fans at Goodison on Saturday afternoon," said a statement on Liverpool's website.
"Many Liverpool fans claimed the Everton striker spat towards them on the ground in the second half of the derby win and now the police have decided to get involved," the club said.
A police spokesman told the club: "We are aware of an incident. We now have sufficient witnesses and do not need any more to come forward. We will be making inquiries as soon as possible and liaising with both clubs."
Rooney has been hailed as the future of English football after some scintillating performances for his club, for whom he has scored five goals in 18 premier league appearances.
His performance for England in their Euro 2004 Group Seven qualifier against Turkey last month earned him lavish praise from managers and fans alike.
An Everton spokesman said the club would be speaking with Merseyside police within the next 24 hours. "It would be inappropriate to make any further comment until we have done so," he said.