West Ham Investigate Bellamy 'fan Abuse' Allegation

The West Ham striker Craig Bellamy was allegedly involved in a touchline row with an Ipswich fan last night, after he hobbled off 24 minutes into a friendly at Portman Road. Bellamy, a former Norwich player, was seen to kick an advertising board and then appeared to be involved in a verbal exchange with supporters near the stadium's family enclosure.

The Hammers are investigating claims that Bellamy verbally abused the supporter. "We will look into the facts of what happened," said a club spokesman. "I haven't had a chance to speak to Craig myself. I was made aware of it after the game, as I was in the players' tunnel. An official from Ipswich made me aware something had happened. We take such allegations seriously. I haven't spoken to anyone to find out what was allegedly said."

Bellamy appeared to have tweaked his hamstring before being substituted. "We took him off as a precaution," said the Hammers' manager Alan Curbishley. "Hopefully before the injury got too serious." The Hammers beat their hosts 5-3, thanks to a hat-trick from their England forward Dean Ashton.