The Football Association has mounted an investigation after disabled Sunderland football fans were attacked and abused by rival supporters following a crunch match.

More than 200 Crystal Palace supporters surged on to the pitch at Selhurst Park after the South London team's 3-2 first leg victory over the Black Cats in the First Division play-offs.

Some ran over to away fans and goaded them and threw punches with Sunderland disabled supporters taking the brunt of the hooliganism. About 50 Black Cats supporters went on the pitch, and some traded blows with rivals until police and stewards separated the sides and cleared the pitch.

An FA spokesman said today: "The FA will investigate the confrontation between rival supporters at the Division One play-off match between Crystal Palace and Sunderland.

"The FA has received reports from the referee and the crowd control observer at the game and will write to Crystal Palace for their observations.

"Once we have received the reports we will decided what sort of case there is and what actions to take." Freda Oyston, 63, the secretary of the Sunderland AFC Disabled Supporters and Escorts said there were several members of the group who could make complaints.

She said: "We have informed the Metropolitan Police who have advised us to make statements to the local police. "These will then be forwarded for investigation."

Black Cats fan Barry Render, 33, who has Down's syndrome, was hit in the face and was caught up in the melee before he was rescued by a carer.

Another disabled supporter was also seen being repeatedly slapped in the face by a Palace fan.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said last night: "We have not received any allegations yet. If any complaints are made they will be investigated." He added there had been two arrested for public order offences while two people were ejected following the pitch invasion. A Crystal Palace FC spokesman declined to comment.