Rams boss says any contact with Davies in melee was accidental
DERBY County manager Nigel Clough has denied allegations that he deliberately kneed Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies in the leg during a stoppage-time melee in Saturday's clash at Pride Park.
Davies claimed Clough struck him from behind as players scuffled on the touchline in the closing minutes of Derby's 1-0 victory.
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Pride Park melee
"I have no doubt in my mind what actually happened," said Davies.
But Clough broke his silence on the matter and told the Derby Telegraph: "It was just a melee, arms and legs were flying. If anybody was accidently caught, that is what happens.
"There were that many bodies in there, it was very, very difficult. We were just trying to get our players out of it.
"If in the melee contact was made, it was accidental."
Clough offered to shake hands with Davies on the final whistle but was snubbed by the Scot.
"Was I disappointed by that? No, that is totally up to him (Davies)," added Clough. "It is his prerogative whether or not he wants to shake hands."
Clough intends to dismiss Davies' claims when he speaks at a media event this afternoon.
Billy Davies' lawyer has confirmed an official complaint has been made to the League Managers' Association regarding the Forest manager's claims.
"We have contacted the LMA to make an official complaint and we are leaving it in the hands of Nottingham Forest to decide if they wish to pursue the matter with any other authorities," said Jim Price of Ross-Harper Associates.
The FA have confirmed they are investigating the melee. They are studying the video evidence and the referee's report.
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by Glyn, Breaston
Wednesday, February 03 2010, 1:23PM
“As neither a Derby or Forest supporter, I can honestly say reading this has cheered me up no end!!”
by Red Steve, Derby
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 3:38PM
“........and Steve Bloomer was watching that day too.......FROM THE PITCH!”
by Dodger, Exeter Ram
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 3:37PM
“Don't confuse Red Steve MB not while he's on his European Cup hobby horse. He might fall off ( and break his neck with any luck )”
by Red, Derby
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 3:34PM
“MB.........yes. It was 1898 to be exact!”
by Preacher, The temple of Pride
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 3:34PM
“My children, do not engage with this backward red fool. He clearly has not learned that when red fools make cocksure predictions, they tend to go belly up. It may well be that they win promotion but to quote their manager they are "far from ready". No doubt Red Steve will come back with one of his pre-prepared excuses from Billy Davies Book of Excuses volume 1, but we are all enlightened enough to see through his thin veil of confidence and see that he, like the other excuse merchants, are scared that Billy might just let it slip. He did it with Derby (although a very lucky victory in the playoffs followed - Billy himself said that this puts him at an immediate disadvantage and spat out his dummy) He did it with Preston... twice. My children, let us not waste anymore breath on red upstarts. Be at peace my children”