Sources close to Ander Herrera insist the Manchester United midfielder did NOT deliberately spit on Manchester City's badge during Saturday's Manchester derby.
Video footage has emerged showing the Spaniard spitting as he walked over a large City crest which adorns the floor at the mouth of the tunnel at the Etihad Stadium.
The footage was captured as the players left the pitch at half-time, with United 2-0 down. They went on to win 3-2 after a stirring second-half comeback.
Herrera was quickly condemned for the incident, but a source close to the United player told Press Association Sport: "It was 100 per cent unintentional, he had no idea the badge was there.