Jump directly to the content
BUST-UP let-off

Manchester United and City escape FA action over Old Trafford tunnel row

United striker Romelu Lukaku tried to clamber past his boss Jose Mourinho to slam dunk the heads of City players who were celebrating in the Old Trafford tunnel after a 2-1 win

MANCHESTER UNITED and City have escaped FA punishment after their furious Old Trafford tunnel bust-up.

United striker Romelu Lukaku tried to clamber past his boss Jose Mourinho to slam dunk the heads of City players who were celebrating their 2-1 win on December 10.

 Belgium duo Vincent Kompany and Romelu Lukaku were centre stage in the bust-up
4
Belgium duo Vincent Kompany and Romelu Lukaku were centre stage in the bust-upCredit: Sky Sports

And both clubs have been rowing since over who was to blame for the flare-up.

But the FA said in a statement this afternoon: "Following a review of the evidence provided by the clubs and independent eyewitnesses the FA will be taking no formal action."

Mourinho almost lost his balance in the tunnel uproar.

And City skipper Vincent Kompany - Lukaku's Belgium team-mate - stormed towards Mourinho and his staff.

 

 Man City keeper Ederson celebrates a victory that tightened their grip on the title
4
Man City keeper Ederson celebrates a victory that tightened their grip on the titleCredit: Manchester City FC - Getty
 Man City players showed their joy at the final whistle - and in the dressing room later
4
Man City players showed their joy at the final whistle - and in the dressing room laterCredit: Reuters

City's wild celebration in the dressing room later irked Mourinho and Co, who thought it showed a lack of respect.

The Portuguese manager yelled into their room:  “Shut up, you’ve won nothing yet.

 


MOANCHESTER UNITED Moaning Manchester United complain about festive fixture pile-up… with fans tearing into them on Twitter


 

"Show some respect, this is the home of United not you.”

The tetchy exchanges continued as Mourinho had water squirted at him by City staff - with cartons of milk also thrown.

City coach Mikel Arteta suffered a cut above his eye.

But the two clubs later agreed the damage was done by Arteta banging his head on the dressing-room door rather than a bottle thrown by Lukaku.

 

 Romelu Lukaku was at the centre of heated post-match exchanges
4
Romelu Lukaku was at the centre of heated post-match exchangesCredit: AFP or licensors
Watch Jose Mourinho’s full reaction after Manchester United’s loss at home to Manchester City

City's victory helped them to their current 11-point lead at the top of the Premier League, with second-placed United 11 points adrift.

And after the tunnel furore the FA quickly asked both clubs for a explanation.

The undercurrent of the dispute seems to be United's belief that cock-a-hoop City were "classless" with their post-match party spirit.

Mourinho has also avoided punishment for pre-match comments suggesting City players dive but was warned to be careful over his statements.

The ex-Chelsea chief had said: "A little bit of wind and they fall."

And he also claimed City used "tactical fouls" to break down play.

The FA said tonight: "Any further public comments about match officials may result in disciplinary action.

Full Saturday Premier League preview including Leicester v Man Utd and Man City v Bournemouth
Man City have proved the 'Barca way' can work in England say Pep Guardiola


Keep up to date with ALL the transfer news and gossip on our blog


.

Topics