McLean quit the club after the incident and apologised to Barnes for his actions the following day.

But police investigating have charged the former Tannadice supremo over the alleged incident which occurred during an interview after the 4-0 home defeat by Hearts.

McLean will also be the subject of a report to the procurator fiscal in Dundee.

Superintendent Ron Wilkie said: 'Following an investigation into an alleged incident at Tannadice Park on October 14, Tayside Police can confirm a man has been charged and report submitted to the procurator fiscal at Dundee.

'As this is an ongoing inquiry, no further comment can be made.'

But the Scottish Premier League have shelved plans to launch an inquiry into the incident.

McLean's actions appear to be a direct breach of SPL Rule A3.2, although it is the club, not the individual, who is answerable to the league.

But despite insisting it views the incident 'with the utmost seriousness', the SPL has decided not to appoint an investigating commission until McLean severs all ties with United.

A spokesman said: 'The incident, as viewed on television and subsequently reported, involving Jim McLean during and after the post-match interview with BBC Scotland is viewed by the board of the Scottish Premier League with the utmost seriousness.

'It would appear that Dundee United FC (by the actions of its director) may be in breach of the rules of membership of the SPL.

'The SPL has received written confirmation from Dundee United that Jim McLean has resigned as chairman, managing director and director of Dundee United as of Saturday October 14.

'Whilst the board of SPL could competently appoint a Commission to investigate whether there has been a breach, it was decided in the circumstances, to defer consideration of such appointment whilst Jim McLean severs his ties with the club completely, as he apparently intends to do.'

The Scottish Football Association's General Purposes Committee will discuss the incident on Tuesday October 24.

Barnes required medical attention to a lip injury following the alleged assault, footage of which has already assumed legendary proportions throughout Scotland.

McLean appeared to have been angered in a television interview after the game by Barnes' question of how long he would give United manager Alex Smith to turn around the fortunes of the club.

McLean said: 'You think I'm going to answer a stupid question like that?'

To which Barnes replied: 'I'm only asking it.'

McLean added: 'I told you earlier that I wasn't answering it. Make sure that that is cut.'

McLean then walked out of camera shot and was heard to say: 'I'll tell you something, don't ever offer me that again.'

Sportscene Match Of The Day presenter Dougie Vipond claimed after the interview was shown on the programme that 'what followed then was a serious assault on our reporter John Barnes by Mr McLean.'