Manchester City and Wigan managers were first involved in a heated argument on the touchline, that then spilled into the tunnel during the FA Cup fifth round clash
MANCHESTER CITY manager Pep Guardiola was involved in a furious tunnel bust-up with Wigan manager Paul Cook during their FA Cup clash.
The Spanish manager was seething after his left-back Fabian Delph was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle - with referee Anthony Taylor appearing to change his mind.
Referee Taylor appeared to change his mind in first-half injury time, after first having the yellow card in his hand and almost writing Delph's name on it.
This clearly angered Guardiola, as well as the Man City players, who felt Delph did not deserve to see red.
He went face-to-face with opposite number Cook, who remonstrated his point that it was a dangerous tackle on his man Max Power.
As the whistle was blown to bring the first 45 to an end, City's players continued to argue with the officials.
But it was on the touchline, and then down the tunnel where tempers really began to rise.
Members of both coaching staffs, as well as security, had to get in between the two warring managers, with Guardiola clearly heard screaming about the decision.
Former Man City and England star Peter Reid was even caught up in the melee, helping to split the two angry camps.
And BBC's pundits were split as to whether Taylor made the correct decision on the sending off.
Former England striker and captain Alan Shearer said: "I know it’s a little bit high and I can see why the referee has given it but I don’t think there is enough to give a red card.
"I know he got a yellow out to begin with and then for some reason changed his mind."
Ex-Wigan boss Roberto Martinez thought the official got it right.
He added: "Ten years ago this is a yellow card and everyone gets up.
"The referees make it very clear at the start of the season that when you throw yourself into a challenge and you’re not in control of your body, and Fabian Delph touches the ball but then goes through the player without any control and it’s reckless.
"You can understand why the referee has given it."
