Manchester United: 'Soupgate' FA inquiry to be held

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has sidestepped the soup-throwing row that erupted after Sunday's 2-0 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford.

While Gill refused to comment on reports that Sir Alex Ferguson had soup thrown over him by an Arsenal player in the aftermath of the Gunners' first defeat in 50 Premiership games, it is understood the story is true.

Ferguson was confronted in the players' tunnel immediately after the game and was forced to change out of his suit into a tracksuit to conduct post-game TV interviews.

"I have no comment to make on the story," Gill told BBC Radio 5 Live.

However, privately United are still considering whether to take the matter further, although it seems certain the Football Association will demand eye-witness accounts anyway and a charge could be levelled if the perpetrator can be identified.

The incident is one of a number the FA may find themselves investigating over the next few days.

The governing body are certain to look into Arsene Wenger's post-game criticism of referee Mike Riley, whom he accused of favouring United by awarding them 'their usual penalty', which Ruud van Nistelrooy converted.

The FA are to investigate reports that Sir Alex Ferguson was splattered with soup in the players' tunnel following Manchester United's ill-tempered match against Arsenal.

No immediate time limit is to be put on the inquiry, as the FA seek to get to the bottom of what really did happen on Sunday after United's 2-0 win over the Barclays Premiership leaders.

Mindful of details of the tunnel bust-up which have emerged in the past two days, FA spokesman Andrin Cooper has confirmed the governing body will endeavour to clear up a controversy which has predictably been dubbed `soupgate'.

It already appears clear Ferguson had soup thrown at him by a so far unidentified member of the Arsenal squad.

Sportinglife

hehe. it must have been so funny to see it lol.

i heard it was cesc fabregous who did it lol

Yeah i bet it was well funny. Looks like Fergie really wants to take this all the way.

Yeah i was reading yesterday that Fergies says he has a tape and wants to take it all the way.

Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole has dismissed speculation that he threw a pizza at Sir Alex Ferguson after last week's stormy encounter with Manchester United.

Ferguson had to change his clothing for a television interview after reportedly being hit by pizza and soup in the tunnel fracas which followed United's 2-0 win over the Gunners.

It has been suggested Cole was one of the Arsenal players involved in retaliation for being fouled by Ruud van Nistelrooy during the match.

However, Cole told the News of the world: "There is now way I would throw anything at Sir Alex. I have too much respect for myself and far too much respect for him as a manager to do something like that."

yer, i think fergie has built up a huge grudge against arsenal, even worse than when him and keegan where at it in the mid 90's

i wonder how fergie looked going back into the dressin room with pizza and soup splattered on his face