THE ANGRY touchline row between Man City’s Erling Haaland and Kyle Walker and the Arsenal bench was caused by a HANDSHAKE.
Arsenal’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover – who used to work at City – sought out Walker after the final whistle on Sunday after the Gunners’ 1-0 victory and offered his hand.
Sky SportsKyle Walker confronted Nicolas Jover after the game[/caption]
Sky SportsA melee began as players trudged off the pitch[/caption]
sky sportsHaaland got involved in the furious clash[/caption]
Sky SportsSaka held back Jover as he wagged his finger[/caption]
The City captain reacted angrily because Jover, 41, had REFUSED to shake hands with his former pals at Man City after BOTH Premier League games against Arsenal last season.
A largely forgettable game between the title rivals on Sunday exploded as the teams left the pitch at the end with Walker squaring up to Jover near the tunnel.
Star striker Erling Haaland then waded in to keep the pair apart before other players and backroom staff also piled in.
And Etihad sources have now revealed why the England ace was unhappy with the Gunners set piece coach.
City won the two games against the Gunners in February and April to take a huge advantage in the title race last season.
Yet Jover – who spent two years working under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad – stood with his hands behind his back at the end of those matches.
He made it clear he would not be shaking hands with anyone from City back then – yet he was only too keen to do so after an Arsenal win.
Walker felt this was unacceptable and told pals in the dressing room afterwards that it was the reason behind his angry reaction.
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Jover left Man City on good terms in December 2021 and was wished all the best by his former employers upon his departure.
So his reaction at the end of the two games last season came as something of a surprise to Etihad officials.
Meanwhile the FA have confirmed they will not be taking any action against Walker, Haaland or Jover over the incident.
They had a look at the footage on Monday but decided there was no reason to take things any further.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said he “didn’t see” what sparked the incident.
But City chief Guardiola claimed he knew the reason for the scuffle but refused to elaborate.
“I know what happened, but I don’t want to say anything,” Guardiola said. “They [Arsenal] know it.”
Arsenal ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a deflected strike from substitute Gabriel Martinelli in the 84th minute.
GettyNicolas Jover is Arsenal’s set-piece coach[/caption]