Monday 1 January 2018 10:33, UK
Southampton's Dusan Tadic says he was surprised to be the victim of an elbow from Ashley Young during Saturday's goalless draw at Manchester United.
Television footage emerged of United wing-back Young appearing to elbow Tadic in the stomach as the hosts prepared to defend a corner in the second half of the Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
Young, 32, was charged by the Football Association with violent conduct and has since accepted a three-match ban.
Saints midfielder Tadic, who made little of the matter on the field at the time, gave his version of events to reporters after the game.
The Serbia international said: "Yes, he elbowed me and I asked him, 'Why did you do this?'
"I didn't really understand.
"I can fall down but it was really strange because I didn't expect that from him."
Tadic insists he did not provoke Young in the build-up to the incident, which was not spotted by referee Craig Pawson.
"No, no, no, nothing," said the 29-year-old. "I was surprised, and then next corner I asked him, 'why did you do that?', and he said, 'I didn't do anything'.
"I said, 'You didn't do anything? You elbowed me in the stomach without reason'.
"OK, if you want to push... but an elbow is different."
Asked if Young should have have been sent off, Tadic said: "Yes, but normally you cannot see that.
"I'm disappointed because you don't expect that from him. He's an experienced player and he cannot do that, I think."
Southampton have not won in eight matches but the result at Old Trafford was an encouraging one after their 5-2 Boxing Day thrashing by Tottenham.
"We showed great character and in some moments we could have taken three points, but we are happy to get a point against such a good team," said Tadic.
