EXCLUSIVE: Brawl taunt to Evra 'WAS racist' - United accuse Chelsea after Bridge battle

At least two United players claim they heard the insult as members of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad clashed with Chelsea groundstaff and officials during their warm-down on Saturday.

Last night Chelsea sources disputed the claim that Bethell called United defender Evra a 'f*****g immigrant', suggesting instead that he said 'f*****g idiot'. It is understood Bethell has already denied the allegation of racism.

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However, it seems certain details of the incident will be aired at an FA hearing after United's lawyers prepared to compile a full report by the end of this week.

United's decision to defend their players is bound to increase tension between the two clubs as their battle for the title reaches a dramatic finale.

Sportsmail understands United decided to send Soho Square their version of events even before the FA phoned yesterday morning to ask them for their views by next Monday.

VIDEO: Watch the bust-up here

Ferguson said: "We are filing a report and it will be sent to the FA and we're delighted with that. We hope the FA investigate it."

United first became aware of suggestions of a racist remark from within their first-team squad as the dust settled on their 2-1 defeat at Chelsea. That led chief executive David Gill to reject a request from Chelsea on Sunday night to issue a statement denying there was a problem.

Though there is some doubt about whether Evra heard the comment, it is understood that other staff and players believe they did.

However, the alleged insult is believed to have been made only after Evra had traded blows with the groundsman. United accept that, by taking the matter to the FA, the France defender may face punishment for his role in the fracas.

Club lawyer Maurice Watkins will tomorrow afternoon begin the process of interviewing everybody present, following a request from Ferguson to get tonight's Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona out of the way first.

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It is understood Watkins will give high priority to United coach Mike Phelan and fitness coach Tony Strudwick, who they feel will be able to present a relatively detailed view of what happened.

It is not yet clear whether either coach heard the comment.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are understood to be happy to present Bethell at a hearing if requested and remain confident their man has done nothing wrong.

The fall-out from Saturday's extraordinary scenes came as United prepared for the biggest game of their season at Old Trafford tonight.

Needing a win against Barcelona to make next month's final in Moscow, United look likely to be without Wayne Rooney after the club's star striker arrived at the club's training ground barely able to walk yesterday.

Rooney is struggling to shake off the hip injury he picked up at Blackburn 10 days ago and aggravated at Chelsea.

He has not yet been ruled out of the game but is rated doubtful. Central defender Nemanja Vidic is also facing a fitness battle after he, too, missed training due to the mouth injury he suffered at Chelsea.

Ferguson will assess both players early this afternoon before finalising his team.

Barcelona arrived in Manchester yesterday after resting eight players in their loss to Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday and coach Frank Rijkaard could not resist a dig at Cristiano Ronaldo after his penalty miss during last week's 0-0 draw in the Nou Camp.

Rijkaard said: "I think there will be a lot of pressure on him. If you asked me to mark my optimism out of five, I would say five."