Harbhajan Singh will not face any action over claims he made racist taunts to sections of the crowd in Sydney during the first match of the CB Series finals against Australia yesterday.

Harbhajan was crucial in Sunday's victory that gave India a 1-0 lead in the tri-series finals, claiming the key wickets of Andrew Symonds and Matthew Hayden.

Jeff Crowe, the match referee, investigated the allegations after suggestions that the off-spinner had made monkey gestures and spat at sections of the crowd, but decided not to take any action.

"I have investigated the alleged incident with Cricket Australia's ground security officials after reading newspaper reports and viewing related photographs that have been published," Crowe said. "After reviewing all available information, I conclude that there is no need to take any action against Harbhajan Singh."

India were adamant Harbhajan was innocent. "He did nothing," Bimal Soni, India's manager, said. "These stories, I do not believe them and strongly condemn them. I think it is wrong. Nothing has been done like that, they are making a mountain out of a molehill."

Allan Border, the former Australia captain, has also lent his support to the spinner and praised his behaviour in the face of provocation from the crowd.

"I'm not too sure how serious it is," Border said. "I mean I was at the ground yesterday and I was on that side of the ground and Harbhajan was copping a fair bit of stick from the crowd. I didn't notice any gestures at all and I thought he handled himself quite well to be quite honest."

Harbhajan was banned for three matches after he was found guilty of racially abusing Andrew Symonds but the suspension was subsequently overturned on appeal.

Australia batsman Matthew Hayden was also reprimanded last week for describing Harbhajan as an "obnoxious weed".

But Australia's Mike Hussey said he and his team mates knew nothing about the alleged incidents.

"I haven't heard a single thing about it," he said. "I'm not so sure how serious it is. I think the Australian and Indian public have had enough of all the controversy. We just want to concentrate on the cricket."

India beat Australia by six wickets in Sydney and could seal the tri-series tournament with victory in the second match in Brisbane on Tuesday.