Nigeria-born Anichebe, 20, was window-shopping with a friend in Knutsford town centre when officers from Cheshire Police demanded to know what they were doing.

The police were directed to the scene by CCTV operators who thought the Everton striker - in a leg cast - and his friend - who was put in handcuffs - were acting suspiciously.

Tonight, the IPCC said they would review Cheshire Police's handling of the incident.

A statement from the IPCC said: "Mr Anichebe claimed that he had been stopped due to the colour of his skin and that the incident had been 'highly embarrassing and totally humiliating'."

The matter was voluntarily referred to the IPCC by Cheshire Constabulary.

Ms Naseem Malik, IPCC Commissioner for the North West, said: "I understand that Cheshire Constabulary have given words of advice to the officer involved and are making arrangements to meet Mr Anichebe.

"The IPCC will not be investigating the incident itself, rather we will review how Cheshire Constabulary dealt with the concerns raised to reassure the public that the force has acted appropriately and proportionately in dealing with the allegations."