De Gea in tunnel spit row: United keeper targeted during Liverpool clash

By Sportsmail Reporter
Updated: 03:51 EDT, 13 February 2012

The tunnel bust-up between Manchester United and Liverpool players started when David de Gea was spat at as he walked back to the dressing room at half-time.

The highly-charged derby between the North West giants was sparked by Luis Suarez's refusal to shake Patrice Evra's hand before the game and there was more drama to come at the break.

Bust-up: De Gea was spat at as he made his way back to the dressing room

Police officers and stewards were embroiled in the row as the two sides came close to exchanging blows and it has now been revealed that the United goalkeeper was spat at.

Although it is is unclear who was responsible for the spitting, one source told The Sun: 'De Gea was making his way to the tunnel and was clearly shocked to be spat at.

'Obviously the players reacted angrily and both teams became involved, before stewards managed to quieten it down.'

Confrontation: There were angry scenes at half-time and full-time

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish and Suarez have both issued grovelling apologies for their actions at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Dalglish also expressed his regret for the confrontational interview he gave to Sky Sports after United’s 2-1 win. United issued a statement accepting the gestures.

Who else? Suarez fired Liverpool's goal past De Gea, but it was to no avail