SLAP ON THE WRIST

A quartet of Manchester United players, including the club captain Roy Keane and Gary Neville, are to be warned by Merseyside Police following their behaviour in the Premiership victory at Everton earlier this month.

Everton received over a hundred written complaints.

A police statement read:

"On Monday, February 23, 2004, senior Merseyside Police officers and senior Everton Football Club officials met to discuss complaints received from supporters following the recent Premiership fixture between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park. Having had the opportunity to study all available evidence and collate information from supporters, police officers and stewards who were on duty, Merseyside Police will be seeking to meet directly with the team management at Manchester United FC to discuss the conduct of some of their players on the day of the match."

The police are expected to offer a gentle warning to the players in question, with further action from the Football Association unlikely