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Man Utd and Man City say no punches were thrown in Old Trafford tunnel tussle

Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola on the touchline at Old Trafford during the Manchester Derby
Image: Jose Mourinho is thought to have been the target of a milk carton

Manchester United and Manchester City sources have confirmed to Sky Sports News that no punches were thrown in the tunnel fracas at Old Trafford.

Both clubs have been asked for their observations by the FA over a tussle that broke out next to the changing rooms following Sunday's dramatic 2-1 victory for City in the Premier League.

Pep: I encouraged celebrations
Pep: I encouraged celebrations

Pep Guardiola has defended Manchester City's dressing-room celebrations at Old Trafford, insisting he encouraged them.

Greater Manchester Police officers present did not feel the need to intervene and the force has confirmed it is not currently investigating the incident, with no complaint having been made.

Sky Sports News understands the City squad were celebrating with loud music in an open-door dressing room when United staff took offence, and boss Jose Mourinho is thought to have said something to those inside on the way to his post-match interviews.

Coach Mikel Arteta covers his face after it was allegedly cut after Lukaku threw a bottle at him during a dressing room fracas
Image: Mikel Arteta covers his face after it was allegedly cut in the fracas (Image c/o Cavendish Press)

A scuffle then occurred in the narrow tunnel near to the away dressing room, which lasted less than two minutes, and a milk carton was thrown at Mourinho but missed, instead hitting a female member of the United media team.

City coach Mikel Arteta was left with a cut to the head but it is not clear whether this was caused by a thrown bottle or a collision with the dressing-room door.

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Sky Sports News reporter James Cooper explains how Jose Mourinho ended up having a milk carton thrown towards him from the Manchester City dressing room

Regardless, sources on both sides have said no punches were thrown by anyone, despite reports in the national press to the contrary. United and City have until 6pm on Wednesday to respond to the FA's request for information.

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Separately, United will not face any punishment from the FA over a flare thrown towards City's Bernardo Silva late on in the derby, which extended City's advantage in the title race to 11 points.

The use of flares, smoke bombs and other pyrotechnics is forbidden by the FA and Sky Sports News has been told the FA are looking to support United in trying to identify the culprit, and hand him or her over to the police.

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