An extraordinary row broke out at Old Trafford on Sunday after Manchester City beat bitter rivals Manchester United 2-1 in a dramatic top-of-the-table clash.
As details of the furious spat emerged today, Blues’ midfield De Bruyne posted a video on Twitter which some fans believe eludes to the incident.
In the 16-second clip, the Belgium international displays silky skills by controlling a football on his chest before doing kick ups and passing it back to a teammate.
De Bruyne, 26, then struts off camera, sipping what appears to be a flavored ice drink.
De Bruyne wrote in the caption: “Big occasions call for cool heads #playice @nikefootball #magista.”
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Commenting on the promotional post, fans suggested that De Bruyne had shared the video in response to the Theatre of Dreams’ spat.
One wrote: “I saw what you did there. Cool heads ;)”
In reference to allegations milk was thrown during the fracas, another wrote: “I heard milk helps with that.”
City and United could both face disciplinary action after The Football Association (FA) today launched an investigation into the incident.
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“Big occasions call for cool heads.”
Kevin De Bruyne
Both teams have been given until 6pm on Wednesday to respond, when the governing body will decide whether further action is necessary.
“The FA have sought observations from both clubs in relation to an incident which occurred following yesterday’s game,” the FA said.
The row apparently ensued when Man United manager Jose Mourinho complained that Man City were celebrating too loudly, telling them to “show more respect”.
City were celebrating “as if they’d already won the league”, on source said, which Mourinho took offence to.
In scenes described as reminiscent of a pub scrap, scuffles broke out after choice words were exchanged between Mourinho and Ederson, City’s Brazilian goalkeeper.
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Accusing Ederson of play-acting during the game, Mourinho is said to have shouted: “You f****** show respect. Who are you?”
Police officers and stewards were forced to intervene as up to 20 players and members of staff become caught up in a melee in which punches and bottles were thrown.
City coach Mikel Arteta was left with “blood pouring down his face” after being hit with a bottle, allegedly thrown by a Red Devils’ player.
There is no suggestion that the bottle was intentionally thrown.
It is understood that referee Michael Oliver was not present when the skirmishes broke out.
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Greater Manchester police will launch an investigation if they receive a complaint.
Mourinho suggested that City were “lucky” to secure their 14th consecutive victory of the season, taking them 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League.
He told Sky Sports: “I think they are lucky, I think they have all these decisions in their favour.
“We can speak about anything you want, we can bring any football theory, stats, ball possession, everything you want but like last season it is a huge penalty in a crucial moment.
“You expect City to score great goals, not to score two disgraceful goals.”