United In Bust-Up With Chelsea Ground Staff

Several of Manchester United's substitutes became embroiled in a tussle with Chelsea ground staff while warming down after their 2-1 defeat to the Blues

The match was settled by Michael Ballack, who headed his side into the lead, then after a Ricardo Carvalho blunder allowed Wayne Rooney to equalise, it was Ballack who scored decisively with less than five minutes of normal time remaining, scoring a penalty after Michael Carrick was penalised for handball.The result blows the title race wide open, and evidently emotions were running high even after the final whistle, as club captain Gary Neville, Patrice Evra, Paul Scholes, Gerard Pique and John O'Shea were involved in a post-match scuffle with the Chelsea ground staff.It is alleged that the argument started when the players, in the process of a warm-down, were asked to move by the ground staff but refused. What was said from there on is not quite clear, but things quickly turned into a wrestling match, and the groups required separating by stewards.After being separated, the peace did not last long. The spat resurfaced soon after, though there was no more physical altercation.
What consequence this will have for the ground staff and the Red Devils remains to be seen, as it is not quite clear who provoked whom and who will be held accountable for the incident.

Rio Issues Apology To Stewardess
Manchester United has apologised to a steward he kicked by accident and has planned to send her flowers.

The defender kicked out toward the end of Manchester United's 2-1 defeat at title rivals Chelsea, a game settled by a late penalty converted by Michael Ballack.
Ferdinand explained that he was kicking the wall out of frustration, and when he realised he had made contact with the steward he apologised and plans to send flowers to her as a token of his appreciation upon her accepting the apology.
A statement from Ferdinand released through the club read: "I kicked the wall in frustration at the result as I have done in the past.
"Unfortunately a lady was stood by and I accidentally brushed her with my foot. I went back to make sure she was okay and apologised profusely.
"Credit to her she laughed it off and was very understanding. She said she wasn't hurt.
"I have arranged for a bouquet of flowers to be sent to her."