Gerard Houllier: "It was just a joke" (BBC Radio 5 Live)

The striker seemingly snorted the pitch's white line like cocaine after converting a penalty to make the score 1-1.

"Following a complaint from a member of the public the matter will be investigated and match officials will be spoken to by officers." said a spokesman for Merseyside police.

The police will be examining video evidence and asking the referee for his match report before taking any action.

Misconduct

The England striker may also be investigated for misconduct by the Football Association after his actions infuriated fans at the Premier League clash at Anfield.

Fowler is already facing an FA disciplinary hearing

The player had been on the receiving end of abuse from the Everton section of the crowd before scoring the goal.

The taunts centred on unfounded rumours of drug-taking, which began over a year ago.

The England international went public at the time to strongly deny any drug use.

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier denied that Fowler's celebration was related to the crowd's abuse.

Joke

"It was a joke, it was a goal celebration he had been taught by Rigobert Song when he was playing for Metz in France. I can understand what people might think but it was nothing to do with the taunts he's had from Everton fans." said Houllier.

BBC Radio 5 Live's Jimmy Armfield reports from Anfield

Fowler, who turns 24 before the end of April, is already charged with misconduct and is facing an FA disciplinary hearing over his bust-up with Graeme Le Saux following alleged "gay taunts".