GARY NEVILLE and Carlos Tevez have been left in no doubt any repeat of this week’s unseemly arguments ahead of the Carling Cup decider at Old Trafford on Wednesday will not be tolerated.
Neither Neville nor Tevez will face any action from the Football Association over their ongoing row, triggered by comments made by the Manchester United skipper in his newspaper column for the Sunday Times in Malta.
Neville’s assertion that Sir Alex Ferguson made the correct decision to let Tevez leave Old Trafford last summer triggered the South American’s ‘‘shut it’’ goal celebration following his equaliser in City’s 2-1 win at Eastlands on Tuesday.
That brought a one-fingered gesture from Neville in response, followed by Tevez labelling his former skipper ‘‘a moron’’ and ‘‘a boot-licker’’ in a radio interview.
In slightly different ways, both Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini have tried to calm the situation.
But the FA have been in touch with officials from the red and blue halves of the city as well.
And Neville and Tevez have been warned that any repetition will bring punishment that also takes into account this week’s indiscretions.
That would include any negative comments in prematch interviews, or any poor on-pitch behaviour.
In addition, the FA have pointed out that the Greater Manchester Police force share their own concerns and, aware of the flashpoint the fixture – and 9,000 visiting supporters – could create, are urging both clubs to avoid anything that could be deemed inflammatory.
Police are calling on supporters of both clubs not to put the city in a bad light on Wednesday.
With Manchester guaranteed some games should England be awarded the 2018 World Cup, Greater Manchester Police assistant chief constable Ian Hopkins hopes the fans will be on their best behaviour.
He said: ‘‘As one of the host cities for the 2018 World Cup bid, the second leg truly is a great day for Manchester to shine.
‘‘We would ask that fans play their part by behaving sensibly and do the city proud.”
City manager Mancini yesterday told Tevez not to make any further remarks about about Neville.
Mancini said: ‘‘I think these things can sometimes happen after a match.
‘‘The players are tired and sometimes they do not think what they are saying.
‘‘It is important that this matter is finished now as we need to focus on our next game.’’ Mancini confirmed Tevez will be rested for the FA Cup match against Scunthorpe tomorrow, so he is fresh for the second leg.
The Italian boss does not believe Tevez’s comments about Neville could provoke crowd trouble.
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