Birmingham defender Carr faces police probe

Birmingham defender Stephen Carr is under police investigation after allegations he made gestures towards Aston Villa fans at the end of Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Villa Park.

Carr and his team-mates were incensed when referee Martin Atkinson awarded Villa a late penalty for Roger Johnson’s challenge on Gabby Agbonlahor, even though the Birmingham defender appeared to make clean contact with the ball.

James Milner converted the spot-kick to clinch the derby win and Carr, who had led the protests to Atkinson, was seen to gesture towards Villa fans as he left the pitch.

Police have received a complaint about the hand gesture and the English Football Association have also confirmed they are aware of the incident and will study Atkinson’s match report and other evidence before deciding whether to take action.

A police spokesman told the Birmingham Mail: “West Midlands Police have received a complaint regarding an offensive gesture allegedly made by a player at the end of the Aston Villa-Birmingham City match on Sunday.

“The matter is currently being investigated by detectives and inquiries are ongoing.”

A Football Association spokesman added: “We are aware of the incident and will be looking at the referee’s report and other available evidence before we decide what to do.”

If the FA decide to take action, Carr, 33, could face a suspension or a fine but he insists he has no regrets over his actions.

“Do I regret it? No. Not at all. That’s life. You make decisions,” Carr said.

“It’s hard not to react like we did. I’m absolutely gutted. It felt like we were robbed.

“I got booked for not moving away from the area but my head had gone, to be honest.”