Ferdinand plays down tunnel row

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand (r) confronts Robbie Savage

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand has played down a half-time tunnel clash between players in the Carling Cup semi-final against Blackburn Rovers.

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes blamed Ferdinand for starting the row at Old Trafford by "clipping" Robbie Savage.

But United defender Ferdinand told The Sun: "It was handbags. We had a little debate. It was the sort of thing that goes on all the time."

Referee Graham Poll has also told the FA he saw no evidence of misconduct.

Ferdinand added: "It was nothing to get excited about, and I am sure Robbie would agree."

I never saw anything Sir Alex Ferguson

By the time Poll and his assistants arrived on the scene, any problem had been sorted out, giving the Tring official nothing to report.

With Greater Manchester Police also advising the FA they will be making no complaint either, it is difficult to envisage any sanctions being brought against the two clubs or their players.

Soho Square officials will investigate the matter further to see if they can uncover any evidence but at this stage it seems the incident will just be allowed to rest.

Blackburn boss Hughes said: "It started because Rio clipped Robbie Savage as they were leaving the pitch - I don't know why.

"Robbie then asked him why he had done it and everyone else ran in to make sure nothing happened," he added.

But United boss Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV: "I never saw anything."

Savage pursued Ferdinand down the tunnel as they left the field at half-time during the second leg of the semi-final, which United won 2-1.

They were followed by most of their team-mates, coaches and match stewards.

There was no television evidence but the FA may still investigate based on the referee's report.

Under Law 12, if Poll had seen anything untoward as he returned to the dressing rooms, he could have dealt with it at the time.

Depending on the match report of the Hertfordshire official, the FA could then seek further observations from both clubs, as well as possibly the police, before deciding if any formal action is necessary.

Hughes furious with referee Poll

The FA is also likely to look into comments Hughes made after the game about the general performance of Poll.