Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola apologised for his team's part in the mass brawl that saw Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho sent off at the end of their 3-1 defeat by Chelsea - but defended both players.
Chelsea had fought back from 1-0 down to secure an eighth straight win that moved them four points clear at the top of the table, and City's frustrations boiled over in injury time.
Aguero was dismissed for his wild lunge on Chelsea defender David Luiz, with team-mate Fernandinho also shown a red card for clashing with Cesc Fabregas in the melee that followed.