BLACKBURN Rovers star El-Hadji Diouf will not face criminal charges over claims he racially abused a ballboy, police have confirmed.

The Senegalese forward, 28, was at the centre of a row following an apparent confrontation with the 14-year-old boy during Rovers’ 3-0 defeat at Everton last month.

However, police said yesterday that Diouf will face no further action following a month-long investigation.

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: “An investigation following a formal complaint alleging that a 28-year-old man had used racist language at the Everton versus Blackburn game on Sunday, September 20 has concluded.

“A file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration and they have decided that no further action will be taken.”

The confirmation by police comes after Diouf revealed he would not be prosecuted over the allegations. He said: “The media have talked about something that never existed by saying that I am a racist.

“The proof is that the match referee sided with me. Better still, I have not been punished.”

The incident was merely the latest in Diouf’s controversial career.

In 2003, he was fined £5,000 after spitting at a Celtic fan while playing for Liverpool. He also spat at an 11-year-old fan when he played for Bolton and at former Portsmouth defender Arjan de Zeeuw.

However, he was defended by Rovers boss Sam Allardyce following the incident at Goodison Park last month.