Roberto Mancini and David Moyes both played down their touchline fracas after Manchester City's 2-0 defeat against Everton ended in explosive fashion. The rival managers confronted each other as a compelling Premier League encounter at Eastlands went into injury time.
The remarkable incident was sparked by Moyes, who caught the ball ahead of making a late substitution.
Mancini interpreted the Scot's action as time-wasting and went over to remonstrate angrily.
Fourth official Howard Webb intervened and after Mancini had finally been becalmed, referee Peter Walton sent both to the stands.
The Football Association will now await Walton's report before considering whether further action is necessary.
"I've spoken now with David and if I made a mistake I am sorry," said Mancini, who is under pressure to deliver fourth place and Champions League football.
"I wanted to get the ball because there was another five minutes at the end.
"This can happen in a game but it is finished now.
"I was frustrated for the players because we played a good game and sometimes it can happen where scoring a goal is impossible."
Moyes defended his actions and cheekily claimed he might even have been doing City a favour.
Moyes said: "Next time I might just let the ball run through.
"I caught it because I was making a substitution, I would have thought it would actually have helped him.
"I was very surprised, I didn't know what I had done wrong.
"Maybe I held onto the ball a second or two longer than I should have done but I was trying to make a substitution.
"But if I had let the ball go, let it run down the touchline - I actually speeded it up."
Moyes felt the decision to send him off was harsh and questioned Mancini's conduct throughout the game.
He added: "I wasn't the one waving my hand for bookings.
"I shouldn't have been sent off, simple as."
Moyes, however, insisted there would be no hard feelings and said he would try to have a drink with Mancini.
"He showed his passion for his team and his club and I can accept that," said Moyes.
Victory provided considerable satisfaction for Moyes after feeling badly treated by City over the transfer of Joleon Lescott at the start of the season.
Moyes was highly critical of City as they vigorously pursued the England defender over several weeks and eventually signed him for €24 million.
Moyes said: "We had a terrible start to the season and a lot of that had to do with Manchester City.
"I would rather come here tonight and show a bit of dignity with our result.
"What we should be talking about is the performance of Everton, which was outstanding."
Victory maintained Everton's late charge for Europe but put a dent in City's Champions League aspirations by denying them fourth.
Mancini said: "It was a difficult game because Everton have a good squad but we didn't deserve to lose this game.
"I think we have a good spirit and we are a good team. If we believe in ourselves we can get the fourth position."