United and City braced for FA rap after tunnel bust-up

MANCHESTER derby rivals United and City could face Football Association charges over their behind the scenes bust-up at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The FA have asked both clubs for their observations on the post-match altercation that marred the Manchester derby.

Mikel Arteta, one of City man- ager Pep Guardiola’s assistant coaches, was left nursing a cut eyebrow after clashes broke out following the league leaders’ 2-1 win at Old Trafford.

The confrontation began when Jose Mourinho, the United manager, took exception to City’s jubilant dressing room celebrations and asked the visiting players to show more respect.

Ederson, City’s Brazilian goalkeeper, responded by arguing with Mourinho in Portuguese and there followed a scuffle involving players and staff members from both clubs.

Mourinho was splashed with water and milk during the incident, while Arteta is believed to have been injured after being hit by a plastic bottle.

Referee Michael Oliver did not witness the clashes and therefore did not file a report on the matter. Last night, the FA confirmed they had requested information on the incident from the two clubs involved.

United and City’s observations will be reviewed before English football’s governing body decide whether to take further action.

Mourinho held television interviews and a post-match press conference following the incident but did not refer to it, instead concentrating on the refereeing decisions which he felt contributed to his side’s defeat.

Goals from David Silva and Nicolas Otamendi, either side of a Marcus Rashford equaliser, proved enough for City to record a 14th successive Premier League win.

It meant Guardiola’s side opened up an 11-point lead over United, their neighbours and nearest challengers at the top.

FULL STORY: Page 49 Having words: Nicolas Otamendi and Ander Herrera