Roy Keane, along with teammates Gary Neville and Cristiano Ronaldo, face an FA probe into allegations that they verbally abused Everton supporters at Goodison Park.
Everton will be investigating claims that, immediately after Ruud van Nistelrooy secured a 4-3 victory for the champions with a last-minute winner, the United players made offensive gestures and swore at sections of the home support, including children.
'Everton fans have complained to the club about the behaviour of the United players as they celebrated the winner and the police are aware of this,' confirmed Everton spokesman Ian Ross.
From The Sunday Times:
Inspector Bob Johnson was unable to confirm the number of complaints Merseyside police had received from aggrieved Everton fans after the match, but he said: "Some officers at the ground received verbal complaints which have been referred back to the club. If the club decides they want to take the matter further they can then pass details on to us and we can investigate to see whether any criminal action should be taken."
Last night Keane dismissed the claims and an FA spokesman said: "We have not been notified by Everton of any incident at Goodison Park but should the club choose to do so we will look into the matter."
Manchester United’s new director of communications, Phil Townsend, said: "Until we see the allegations we are not prepared to comment." It is understood Keane has told United officials he didn’t swear or make any gesture to the crowd.