Battle of Stamford Bridge: United stick to racism claims

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

With United and Chelsea locked on the same number of points ahead of the final day of the League season and due to meet in the Champions League Final in Moscow on May 21, the clubs will be in each other's faces for the coming fortnight.

Clash: Evra raises his hands as a member of Chelsea's groundstaff appears to aim a punch

United claim Bethell made a racist comment to Frenchman Evra after the two men traded blows in the wake of Chelsea's 2-1 Premier League victory over the champions on April 26. After a week or so of United lawyer Maurice Watkins interviewing staff and players, United have submitted their version of events and are prepared to stand before an FA inquiry if the issue goes that far.

It is understood Evra has re-iterated he did not hear anything racist from Bethell, but United have written evidence from at least one senior player and one member of their coaching staff that an offensive comment was made.

Bethell has denied saying anything racist and Chelsea will vigorously deny any such accusation in the belief they have evidence to prove their case. They may even allege that United changed their position over what happened four times during the day after the game.

It would appear likely that the FA will convene a hearing in the coming weeks, in all likelihood once the Champions League Final is out of the way.

Bad blood between the clubs continues, however, with United taking exception to a suggestion they changed their story on what happened.

United know it will be hard to prove what was said and Evra may find himself in hot water for getting involved in the scuffle in the first place.

With United needing to win at Wigan on Sunday to make sure they retain their title, Sir Alex Ferguson has been boosted by news that centre back Nemanja Vidic is ready to return.

The Serbia defender missed Saturday's 4-1 demolition of West Ham and the European win over Barcelona 10 days ago because of concussion caused by Didier Drogba's knee in his face at Stamford Bridge.

However, Ferguson is now fretting only over the fitness of Wayne Rooney, who has also not played since the Chelsea game. Ferguson was given good news last night when chief executive David Gill confirmed there would be money for players this summer.

Gill said: "If there are areas the manager wants to improve, we will see what we can do."