Ander Herrera is said to be "mortified" by suggestions that he deliberately spit on Manchester City's badge during Manchester United's 3-2 derby win.
As the two teams approached the tunnel at halftime with United trailing 2-0, television cameras captured the Spanish midfielder appearing to spit on a large Manchester City crest.
Despite some City officials believing Herrera deliberately disrespected the team's crest, the incident will not be investigated by the Football Association, according to Simon Stone of BBC Sport.
Herrera took to social media Monday to defend himself: "I will always fight for my club's badge, but I always respect every other club crest too."
Meanwhile, United issued a statement claiming that he failed to see the crest on the ground as he made his toward the tunnel: "Ander has seen footage of the incident and is mortified at any suggestion his actions were deliberate.
"It was entirely accidental and there was no intent whatsoever."
Ander Herrera has denied spitting on Manchester City crest.
— City Chief ️ (@City_Chief) April 8, 2018
A United spokesperson has declared: “Ander has seen the footage of the incident and is mortified at any suggestion that his actions were deliberate.” [Mirror] pic.twitter.com/oGnGryEV7l
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho allegedly had a coin thrown at him, but the club will make a formal complaint. Manchester City, however, will be fined £25,000 after picking up six yellow cards during the encounter.
