Mourinho clashes with City players in tunnel bustup, FA seeks report

LONDON: The Football Association has confirmed it is seeking information from both Manchester clubs following a reported incident in the Old Trafford tunnel after Sunday’s derby.

Players and officials from both clubs are said to have been involved, but referee Michael Oliver did not witness the incident and has not filed a report.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho became involved in a physical confrontation with Manchester City’s players after complaining about their post derby celebrations, according to British media reports late on Sunday.

The Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph said Mourinho went to City’s changing room following United’s 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford because he felt their noisy celebrations were disrespectful.

The newspapers reported Mourinho had a verbal altercation with City goalkeeper Ederson before having water and milk thrown at him by City’s players and being hit on the head with a plastic bottle.

The Mail said United’s security had to break up a brawl involving 20 players and staff members from both clubs, which was said to have occurred near the Old Trafford tunnel.

City’s victory sent them 11 points clear of United at the top of the Premier League table, further enhancing their status as red-hot favourites for the title.

The reports of the Mourinho incident brought to mind the “Battle of the Buffet” that erupted after United beat Arsenal in October 2004, when Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas threw pizza at United manager Alex Ferguson.

DON’T BLAME REFEREE: PEP TO MOURINHO

MANCHESTER: Pep Guardiola told Jose Mourinho to stop blaming refereeing decisions for Manchester United’s derby misery against Manchester City.

City won at Old Trafford for the second successive season on Sunday as goals from David Silva and Nicolas Otamendi clinched a 2-1 victory that moved the leaders 11 points clear of second-placed United.

United boss Mourinho claimed City were “lucky” because referee Michael Oliver failed to award a penalty for Otamendi’s challenge on Ander Herrera in the second half.

Herrera was booked for diving and City manager Guardiola made it clear he was tired of his old rival’s excuses.