Blackburn Rovers striker El Hadji Diouf has clashed with teammate Ryan Nelsen, it has been revealed.

The News of the World says Diouf swapped punches with his skipper after last Sunday's 3-0 defeat at Everton - just minutes after being accused of racially abusing a Goodison Park ballboy.

Nelsen had accused the Rovers striker of being "not interested" and "lazy" and the pair traded verbal insults before Diouf threw himself at the club skipper.

A Rovers source revealed: "Ryan was absolutely furious with Diouf and accused him of being selfish and not working for the team. Diouf reacted by throwing himself at him and was throwing punches like a windmill.

"Ryan acted to defend himself, but the rest of the players jumped in to separate them. It turned really nasty for moment."