The bitterness surrounding Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Manchester United continued on a day of claim and counterclaim that threatened to sour relations between two of the country’s biggest clubs. Allegations that the postmatch flare-up between groundstaff and the United substitutes was sparked by abuse directed at Patrice Evra, initially encouraged by some at Old Trafford, were strenuously denied by Chelsea.

Chelsea reacted strongly to the allegations, particularly as they were not made immediately after the incident at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, leading to talks last night between Peter Kenyon and David Gill, the respective chief executives. Chelsea proposed releasing a joint statement denying such claims, but settled for a reassurance from United that, as far as they were aware, suggestions of a racist element to the clash had no substance. Evra’s representatives also denied that the defender was abused.

Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, will come under pressure to give his version of events at a press conference at Old Trafford today before tomorrow’s Champions League semi-final, second leg against Barcelona. He pulled out of last night’s PFA awards dinner in London and prevented Cristiano Ronaldo from collecting his second successive Player of the Year trophy. United are facing a charge of failing to control their players, in addition to improper conduct charges against several individuals after the altercation involving Evra, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, John O’Shea and Gerard Piqué, as well as Rio Ferdinand’s clash with a female steward as he ran down the tunnel.

Chelsea are adamant that their staff behaved properly and were the wronged parties in both incidents and will help the Football Association with its inquiries. Although it is accepted that it was accidental, there is particular anger at Ferdinand’s loss of control, which contrary to his claims that he “brushed a lady” was, according to several onlookers, forceful and left her with stud marks on her right shin.

The woman accepted Ferdinand’s apology and has resolved not to take the matter further. Witness have described Ferdinand entering a packed tunnel in a foul-mouthed rage, kicking out at a wall and accidentally connecting with the steward before kicking a door on his way to the dressing-room.