FA warn duo over spat

Gary Neville and Carlos Tevez have been left in no doubt any repeat of this week’s unseemly arguments ahead of the Carling Cup decider at Old Trafford on Wednesday will not be tolerated.

Neither Neville nor Tevez will face any action from the Football Association over their ongoing row, triggered by comments made by the Manchester United skipper in his newspaper column for the Sunday Times in Malta.

Neville’s assertion that Alex Ferguson made the correct decision to let Tevez leave Old Trafford last summer triggered the South American’s “shut it” goal celebration following his equaliser in City’s 2-1 win at Eastlands on Tuesday.

That brought a one-fingered gesture from Neville in response, followed by Tevez labelling his former skipper “a moron” and “a boot-licker” in a radio interview.

In slightly different ways, both Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini have tried to calm the situation today.

But the FA have been in touch with officials from the red and blue halves of the city as well.

And Neville and Tevez have been warned that any repetition will bring punishment that also takes into account this week’s indiscretions.

That would include any negative comments in pre-match interviews, or any poor on-pitch behaviour.

In addition, the FA have pointed out that the Greater Manchester Police force share their own concerns and, aware of the flashpoint the fixture – and 9,000 visiting supporters – could create, are urging both clubs to avoid anything that could be deemed inflammatory.