Damage control continues on both sides following the post Manchester Derby brawl, the specifics of which still remain in some dispute. The Football Association is looking into the altercation between Manchester United and Manchester City players, coaches and staff following City’s 2-1 win at United this past Sunday.
United manager Jose Mourinho addressed the bust-up, or melee, or fracas or incident or whatever you want to call it at his midweek match preview news conference.
Mourinho said the postgame clash this past weekend was just a question of diversity in opinion and education. He also maintained the innocence of his players. Asked at his press conference today whether he was sure his players acted properly, Mourinho replied:
“I know. I am not confident. I know.”
Asked whether he thought the conflict arose because City believed their celebrations were appropriate, but he did not, Mourinho responded: “Yes, exactly.”
Shifting to the other side, City boss Pep Guardiola issued an apology over the manner in which his side celebrated. Guardiola said his side meant no harm.
“If we were not correct than I apologize to all of Manchester United — our intentions was not that,” the Spaniard told his Tuesday news conference.
“It was to celebrate inside the locker room. If the people cannot understand that then I’m sorry.”
The leader of the table topping side continued:
“We won a derby, if we offended United, not just one player, not Jose– Manchester United, then I apologize.
“Sometimes United made a lot of celebrations in the past over City. All the managers celebrate sometimes and exceed, but it didn’t happen. We have to enjoy those moments.”
It really seems like this post derby bust-up is something that we won’t be talking about too much longer. It seems to be winding down and exiting the news cycle soon.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud, LinkedIn and YouTube.