Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has his say on Old Trafford tunnel bust-up… saying he encouraged his players to celebrate

MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola has had his say on the incredible Old Trafford tunnel bust-up... saying he encouraged his players to celebrate.

The Spanish chief revealed he told his stars to embrace the huge victory and said they did nothing wrong celebrating in the dressing room.

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Players from both sides clashed in the tunnel following City's 2-1 win, resulting in Jose Mourinho being soaked with water and milk, and Mikel Arteta suffering a cut eye.

Mourinho was said to be infuriated by City's outlandish celebrations, urging players including Ederson to "show some respect".

But on the post-game celebrations, Guardiola said: "All I can say is, it was a game in a nice stage and a nice stadium.

"The players were in the game, everybody fight to win the game.

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"After the game the players shook hands, no problems at all. Some players went to celebrate with the fans like normal.

"I encouraged the players to celebrate the result. I am the guy who encouraged them to celebrate in the moment.

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"When United win they celebrate, when Arsenal win against United they celebrate, when Arsenal win the FA Cup last season they celebrate... But where? Inside the dressing room.

"People have to understand that we were happy. I think all the teams around the world when they win a derby, they are so happy.

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"When we won with Bayern we were happy, with Barcelona we celebrated."

"We will make a statement to the FA. I am not going to comment about that."

In Sunday’s fracas:

•  Furious United striker Romelu Lukaku tried to clamber past boss Jose Mourinho and slam dunk the heads of City players.
• Mourinho almost lost his balance in the melee.
•  City captain Vincent Kompany — Lukaku’s Belgian team-mate — burst towards United’s manager and staff in anger.

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• Mourinho shouted into the City dressing room: “Shut up, you’ve won nothing yet. Show some respect, this is the home of United not you.”
• Mourinho had water squirted at him by City staff, while cartons of milk were also thrown.
• City coach Mikel Arteta suffered a cut above his eye. Both clubs now agree this was due to him banging his head on the dressing-room door and NOT from a bottle thrown by Lukaku.