Pictured: The moment of madness when Chelsea staff and Manchester United players clash after 'racism row' at Stamford Bridge

According to reports, United insiders said a racist taunt aimed at French defender Patrice Evra had been the catalyst for the Stamford Bridge brawl.

However, after talks between Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon and United counterpart David Gill, United were told to issue an immediate retraction of the allegations.

The Football Association have launched an inquiry into the incident.

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It has been reported the man at the centre of the brawl was Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell, who lunged at United left-back Evra before being restrained by security staff.

Returning home last night, 23-year-old Bethell said: "It was handbags really. It was not as bad as it appeared. I've been told not to say anything about what actually happened.

"I've not lost my job. I'm back at work tomorrow morning."

The groundsman describes his job on his personal Facebook page, writing: "I sit on a mower watching some of the world's greatest players play football. It's a hard job, but someone's got to do it."

As further details about the fracas emerged, a United player who allegedly abused Chelsea's head groundsman was told by another employee: "I'll stick my pitchfork up your a**e."

Chelsea claim footage shows Evra throwing the first punch, but United striker Carlos Tevez said the violence had come from the other side.

Tevez, who was not involved in the brawl, said: "During our post-match work, Evra received an insult from a Chelsea worker and my teammates merely demanded an explanation.

"This was the problem and from that moment these men just wanted to attack Patrice.

"Obviously, it's normal that we defend our teammate but within a few seconds all the United players were surrounded by stewards. I think the security cameras will show the provocation we received.

"I have never seen anything like this in my two years in England. We will happily give our version of what happened."

Evra, Paul Scholes, John O'Shea, Gerard Pique and Gary Neville were taking part in the warm-down on the pitch when they were asked to move by Chelsea groundstaff.

But when the players refused to come off the pitch, an altercation broke out between the stewards, groundstaff and United stars.

Despite Chelsea denying anyone from the club was involved, pictures showed a member of the groundstaff apparently aiming a punch at Evra.

Evra, who was rested for the match ahead of United's Champions League semi-final second leg with Barcelona, appears stunned by the attack.

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Old Trafford reserve Danny Wellbeck allegedly had to step in to restrain him from retaliating.

Scholes looked astonished as Chelsea stewards tried to restore order in front of the stands, which moments earlier had seen ecstatic fans celebrating the last-gasp victory which would keep their Premier League title hopes alive.

Chelsea managed to beat United 2-1 despite being the underdogs and are now level on points at the top of the Barclays Premier table.

The club is now set to examine CCTV footage of the incident after the game and then decide what action to take.

Police could also be called in if any of the groundstaff choose to make an official complaint.

A spokesman for the club said: "We will be studying the relevant CCTV and camera footage in a bid to establish the best and most appropriate course of action."