Paul Warne admitted he “lost it” with Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder after he believed he touched Derby County striker Jerry Yates.
The pair got into a furious disagreement in the first half, which was cut short when the ball went out for a throw-in after Yates won a tackle near the Blades dugout.
Warne and Wilder clashed, resulting in both men receiving yellow cards, the former for the second time in 400 games of management.
And, speaking in his press conference following the 1-0 setback caused by Gus Hamer’s free-kick, Warne stated that he would not allow anyone to touch his players.
“I can tell you it straight,” he said. “I’ve been booked in 400 games before today, and it was at MK Dons for tossing a bottle of water down. There were roughly 50 individuals present, so I’m not sure who I was intimidating with my actions.
“I booked today because I believe Chris touched my player, and I’m not having that. I would not touch anyone’s player. I assumed he had his hands on my player, so I lost it. I told him straight.
“I said you touched my player, but he maintained he did not. I’m looking forward to viewing it back, and if he did, I’ll tell him again. I do not think it is acceptable. I get along great with Chris, but as a leader of men, if someone affects my player, I would rather play for someone who looks after the lads.
“I do not like it. There are numerous items that go on the side of the pitch. You wink at decisions, etc. But I dislike seeing hands on my players. If that isn’t the case, I regret for stirring things up.”
