Nigel Clough denies kneeing Davies deliberately

DERBY County manager Nigel Clough has denied that he deliberately kneed Nottingham Forest counterpart Billy Davies in the leg during the stoppage-time melee at Pride Park.

Both clubs have been charged with failing to control their players following the incident. No charges have been issued against any individuals, though that could change if new evidence comes to light.

Davies claimed Clough struck him from behind as players scuffled on the touchline towards the end of Derby's 1-0 victory on Saturday. Speaking on Monday, he said: "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."

But Clough hit back yesterday, saying: "It was just a melee and arms and legs were flying. If anybody was accidentally caught, that is what happens. There were that many bodies in there. 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 after the game but was snubbed by the Scot. "Was I disappointed by that? No, that is totally up to him," added the Derby manager.

Davies' solicitor has confirmed an official complaint has been made to the League Managers' Association regarding his claims.