Man Utd midfielder Ander Herrera, via a club spokesperson, has denied that he intentionally spat on the Man City crest at the Etihad over the weekend.
The incident took place as the Spaniard made his way off the pitch at half-time at the weekend, and as seen in the video below, he appears to spit just as he walks over the crest painted on the ground.
SEE MORE: Jose Mourinho set for key transfer battle with Pep Guardiola, £50m+ target on radar
It doesn’t look great as he seems to spit with a bit of force and his timing isn’t great, but it seems a little childish from a 28-year-old professional to do something like that and so it makes it difficult to believe he did it on purpose.
Nevertheless, it seemingly caused a bit of a storm, so much so that a United spokesperson has addressed the issue on behalf of Herrera and denied that it was intentional.
“Ander has seen the footage of the incident and is mortified at any suggestion that his actions were deliberate,” they said, as per The Telegraph. “It was entirely accidental and there was no intent whatsoever.”
The mood within the Man Utd camp wouldn’t have been positive at the break as they were 2-0 down and looked entirely out of it against their rivals who were 45 minutes away from being crowned Premier League champions.
However, an incredible second-half comeback put their celebrations on hold. Herrera was key in that, and based on the comments below, United fans certainly took a different viewpoint on the controversial incident. It seems it’s merely made him more popular with them even if he didn’t mean it…
Herrera spitting on the City Badge. Surely that’s worth a new 5 year contract instantly pic.twitter.com/88c7i3j5a7
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) April 8, 2018
Life time contract or we riot.
— Privilege Makuvire (@privilege_mufc) April 8, 2018
That’s a lifetime contract and an ambassador position right there mate
— Sean Chin (@seancxy) April 8, 2018
“Are you Roy Keane in disguise.”
— Shellz ?? (@ShellzHD) April 8, 2018
That’s worth a 5 year and a Captain armband
— Braden Snider (@braden900) April 8, 2018
Herrera Legend
— Simon Gillen (@simongillen) April 8, 2018
Nice. That’s my boy. ? I hope it was a big greeny to.
— ? Snaps ? (@snaps_00) April 8, 2018
Should be future united captain.. so much passion for the club you’d think he was a local lad #csptainherrera
— Rob cook (@Cooksta85) April 8, 2018
You don’t know my love for this warrior ??
— MedZ (@mahoody_10) April 8, 2018