Mark Hughes is adamant Craig Bellamy did not create a confrontation with a Manchester United fan at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Football Association are still deciding whether to bring any action against Bellamy for what appeared to be a shove in the face of a supporter, who had gone onto the pitch shortly after Michael Owen had scored in stoppage time.

Although Hughes' assistant Mark Bowen claimed Bellamy though he was about to be spat at, TV replays show the Welshman advancing towards the melee and that the fan was being held by two stewards when Bellamy struck out.

If the FA decide such conduct warrants a charge of violent conduct, it could mean a three-game ban for a player who has been embroiled in so much disciplinary trouble before.

However, Hughes is not expecting that to happen and has defended Bellamy's actions.

"All Craig has done is go over there and tell the guy to get off the pitch," said Hughes.

"Craig wasn't privy to how much time was left to enable us to get back into the game.

"The guy made an aggressive move towards him and Craig wanted to get him off the pitch. Craig just put a defensive hand out to push him away.

"You can never be quite sure what is going to happen in those situations.

"We have not been contacted by the FA but if we are, that is what we will say."

Meanwhile, Hughes has admitted some kind of independent time-keeper might solve the problems that erupted during Sunday's derby clash, which City lost 4-3.

Hughes was furious that Michael Owen scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time, when referee Martin Atkinson had signalled only four would be played.

Bowen's reaction when he was quizzed on the issue last night hardly suggested a softening of City's stance.

However, Hughes is now much calmer, although he does feel the whole issue needs to be looked at again.

"Going over it again just makes the debate go on even longer," he said.

"But I do think we need some clarification because there is some confusion.

"I am not particularly advocating this but maybe if you had a different system where someone else took over the time-keeping, it might help."

Hughes reported no fresh injury concerns ahead of tomorrow's Carling Cup tie with Fulham at Eastlands, although Roque Santa Cruz has been ruled out, despite reports that he was set for a place on the bench after being consigned to the sidelines with a knee injury since his £17million summer move from Blackburn.