Billy Davies – 'Nigel Clough kneed me in leg'

NOTTINGHAM Forest manager Billy Davies has accused Derby manager Nigel Clough of hitting him during Saturday's heated derby clash.

Davies claims he was kneed in the back of the leg by Clough in a melee on the pitch in the dying moments of Derby's 1-0 win at Pride Park.

The Forest boss refused to shake hands with Clough at full-time and insists the Rams manager intentionally sought to hit him.

Davies told Sky Sports: "I'll tell you what happened and you can ask Nigel Clough this, because I said to him that he was out of order when I was in the middle (of the skirmish]. He came in and kneed me in the back of the leg. I said to him that I wouldn't have minded him doing it to my face but to do it to my back was a bit cowardly and that's why I never shook his hand at the end.

"He tried to claim it was an accident but he knows as well as I know that it wasn't an accident.

"I have no doubt in my mind over what happened, hence why I never shook his hand."

Players and coaching staff from both sides started scuffling after an initial clash between Jay Derby's McEveley and Forest's Chris Gunter.

The Football Association is to investigate the melee, and officials were yesterday studying the referee's report and video evidence.

Meanwhile, the FA yesterday confirmed John Terry's future as captain of England is in the hands of manager Fabio Capello.

Italian Capello has been trusted to make the judgment on whether Terry should retain the armband for the World Cup this summer, and it is understood he will make a swift decision.

Terry's position has been the subject of speculation since the 29-year-old failed with a High Court injunction to stop newspapers reporting claims about an alleged affair with lingerie model Vanessa Perroncel, a former girlfriend of Wayne Bridge.

Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe has already stated that, should the allegations be proven, Terry's role as skipper would be called into question. Until last night, the FA had remained silent on the subject, but it came as no surprise to learn the decision would be left with Capello, who appointed Terry as his captain.

"The FA confirm that England manager Fabio Capello alone will make the decision about John Terry's position," said a statement from the national association.