17 May 2023 , 21:43
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Patrice Evra was involved in an altercation with Manchester City staff as their players celebrated reaching the Champions League final.
Former Manchester United defender Evra, decked out in a red suit to display his allegiance, had to be calmed down by Pep Guardiola's assistant Manel Estiarte at the end of the game.
Evra, who was pitchside in his role as a pundit for French TV, was held by Estiarte, who appeared to be trying to reason with the 42-year-old, who was visibly agitated by what he was saying.
As City's players embarked on their lap of honour, saluting the home fans for their support, the incident with Evra played out, just outside the home technical area.
City security staff stepped in to ensure the altercation did not get out of control, although Evra and Estiarte shook hands before they parted ways, seemingly having settled their issue.
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Evra's choice of outfit was deliberately provocative, complete with red tinted spectacles. Ferdinand posted a video of Evra in his red suit on social media with the caption: “Surprise surprise, my man Evra turning up to the Etihad in a RED suit” followed by laughing emojis.
That was not the only subplot involving a former United player at the Etihad Stadium. Ferdinand, working at the game as a pundit for BT Sport, revealed Guardiola texted him a few hours before the game, predicting how his City side would dispose of holders Real Madrid.
Speaking on BT Sport after the game, Ferdinand said: "Pep Guardiola texted me today saying, 'Believe me, we'll beat them'. The confidence to say that two or three hours before the game!"
As he left the pitch after celebrating with his players, Guardiola spotted Ferdinand pitchside and pointed at him repeatedly, as if to say 'I told you so!' before striding down the tunnel, mission accomplished.
Obvious comparisons will now be drawn with Sir Alex Ferguson's famous United side from 1999, with City now on the verge of matching their historic treble. Guardiola's charges will face Inter Milan in the Champions League final next month, by which point they may have already secured the Premier League and FA Cup.
The Premier League title can be wrapped up this weekend with a win over Chelsea, while United will stand in their neighbours' way at Wembley at the start of June.