Thaindian News

London, Jan 23(ANI): Manchester City star Carlos Tevez and Manchester United defender Gary Neville have been given a final warning by the Football Association (FA) and will face disciplinary action if they continue their verbal feud in the build-up to next Wednesday’s Carling Cup semi-final between the two teams at Old Trafford.

Neville was under investigation for a one-fingered gesture that took place in United’s 2-1 loss to City on Tuesday, while Tevez called former team-mate a “boot-licker” and a “moron” for his comments about the Argentine before the Carling Cup semi-final first leg.

According to reports, the FA is determined to avoid controversy in the second leg and has spoken to both clubs to emphasize concern over the public spat.

It will also monitor Neville’s weekly column in the Times of Malta, to keep the ordeal under control.

The FA has also been in touch with Greater Manchester Police with a view to ensuring the second leg passes off without incident.

While Tevez and Neville fanned the flames on the pitch with gestures towards each other, United defender Patrice Evra was struck by a lighter thrown from the crowd and plastic seats were ripped out and hurled on to the pitch from the visitors’ enclosure, The Telegraph reports.

Outside the stadium, the police also confiscated darts and golf balls from supporters.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and City’s Roberto Mancini have also tried to draw a line under the players’ feud.

Ferguson insisted that United had “moved on” and Mancini called on both players to “focus on football”. (ANI)