Arsenal News: Man Utd legend Gary Neville reveals how Patrick Vieira tunnel spat started

MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville has opened up on the night the Red Devils clashed with Arsenal players in the tunnel at Highbury back in 2005.

Gary Neville: Flashback to THAT tunnel spat between Keane and Vieira

Manchester United and Arsenal locked horns 12 years ago, just months after Sir Alex Ferguson’s team had ended the Gunners’ 49-game unbeaten run.

But, while a Cristiano Ronaldo brace stole the show, it was the pre-match antics that went on to dominate the headlines.

A riled Roy Keane clashed with Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, calling him out after the Frenchman had previously squared up to Neville.

And Neville has revealed that it was Vieira’s decision to accost him before the game that kicked off all the shenanigans. 

“I just remember these footsteps behind me Vieira shouting ‘Neville, Neville, you’re not going to kick our players out on the pitch’,” he said.

Arsenal News: Manchester United legend Gary Neville has recalled his tunnel spat with Patrick Vieira

“Roy turned back and heard him and started having a go at him. Vieira then squirted his water bottle at him and all hell broke loose.

“Everyone got pulled back and it was a bit of nothing really but I’ve never seen Arsenal like that.

“People say you win the game in the tunnel. Well, I’m not sure that was far wrong.

“We went out on the pitch knowing we were the better team, knowing that we were physically tough and wouldn’t get roughed about.”

The footage shows Neville and Vieira exchanging a cold handshake on the pitch before kick-off.

Arsenal Manchester United Roy Keane Patrick VieiraGETTY

Arsenal News: Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane clashed during the Gunners' time at Highbury

Arsenal Manchester United Roy Keane Patrick VieiraGETTY

Arsenal News: Patrick Vieira often riled the Manchester United players

“The handshake was a bit more prolonged but what I was saying is ‘you can shout all you like but there’s football to be played and I’m not going to be introduced with what you’re saying’.”

The game itself was not short on drama.

Vieira opened the scoring early on, with Ryan Giggs then restoring parity.

Dennis Bergkamp bagged Arsenal’s second before Ronaldo netted twice, with a stunning John O’Shea chip securing the points for United late on. 

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