The Football Association are “looking into” Gary Neville’s one-fingered gesture towards Carlos Tevez in last night’s Carling Cup semi-final at Eastlands. Neville was warming up on the touchline as Tevez began his celebrations following the first-half penalty that pulled Manchester City level.
Tevez appeared to gesticulate towards Neville as if to say “shut it”, in response to the Manchester United skipper’s weekend comments that Alex Ferguson was correct to let the Argentina star leave Old Trafford last summer.
Neville’s own reply, captured on camera, was of the one-fingered variety, which triggered more taunts from Tevez.
And this morning the FA have confirmed they will look at the matter before deciding whether to take any further action.
Given Neville regards himself as a United fan, as well as their skipper, last night’s events will have been hard to take, especially as Tevez was a cult hero during his time at the Red Devils and still keeps in contact with close friend Patrice Evra.
Indeed, Neville has already been in trouble once this season for goading City fans after Michael Owen’s stoppage time winner at Old Trafford in September. On that occasion, the 34-year-old escaped a fine but was warned about his future conduct.
At least manager Ferguson adopted a fairly phlegmatic attitude to Tevez’s decision to taunt him by racing to the dug-out and cupping his hands behind his ears following what turned out to be City’s second-half winner last night.
“It is just the way these things happen,” he said. “Football can be like that. It can bite you. We have had a few players leave the club and score against us. There is no issue. I am happy with the players we have got.”
Tevez’s Manchester City team-mate and fellow Argentinian Pablo Zabaleta revealed that the striker had taken exception to Neville’s remarks.
Zabaleta said: “One Manchester United player talked about Carlos before the game so he showed he is top class, a top player. He is amazing, everyone knows Carlos is a great player. Everyone loves him. This was a special game for him, one he has been dreaming about.
“I am aware of his qualities and think he can give a repeat performance against United next week.”
Zabaleta wants more of the same from the team as a whole next Wednesday to realise their dream of a Wembley appearance.
Roberto Mancini’s side had to dig in after going a goal behind with the evergreen Ryan Giggs opening the scoring from close range.
Tevez turned the game on its head — his second came after good work from Zabaleta and Vincent Kompany.
But City had to withstand a late onslaught with goalkeeper Shay Given making a string of superb saves from Wayne Rooney to maintain their slight advantage.
Zabaleta said: “Our reaction was fantastic after we lost the goal. It was a good performance from the team, we played well and showed strong mentality.
“It is a great result for us and an important one for the next leg. It was unbelievable near the end. United kept coming and had many chances but we never stopped working.
“We want to please our supporters and get to the final. There was a lot of satisfaction after the game but we have to show this commitment again next week. You can see we have great players and a strong character.”