Friday 11 March 2016 14:41, UK
Emre Can has defended Marouane Fellaini after their "small fight" during Thursday's Liverpool v Manchester United Europa League clash at Anfield.
Television cameras picked up the Belgium international appearing to swing his forearm into Can's neck in the dying seconds of Liverpool's 2-0 win at Anfield.
However, Can has played down the incident, saying: "It was just a small fight. It was okay. It was not a boxing ring punch.
"Fellaini is a fair sportsman. He touched my throat with his elbow, but it's okay."
The incident was missed by referee Carlos Velasco Carballo, who flashed six yellow cards in the game, but Fellaini could still face retrospective punishment from UEFA. Fellaini was one of the players cautioned in the game by Carballo, who took his tally to 80 yellows and six reds across 13 European matches this season.
Can also reserved praise for United goalkeeper David De Gea, who made a number of saves to keep Liverpool's goal tally to just two.
It was a dominant performance from Liverpool, with the Spanish 'keeper brilliantly keeping out Philippe Coutinho either side of half-time, giving his team a glimmer of hope ahead of next Thursday's second leg.
"De Gea is a very good goalkeeper, but we created chances, played well and scored two goals," added Can.
"It was incredible, a very good source for the second leg and we have to keep going like that.
"The team played very well and the second half was sometimes not what we wanted to do as we didn't press too well, but we have to play like in the first half again.
"We know we have to keep going, nothing is done and we have to keep it up."
After spending much of his first season playing as a central defender, Can believes he is developing well in his preferred midfield role under manager Jurgen Klopp.
"I had a few mistakes, and I have to play better sometimes. But, I have developed under Klopp. I have a lot of confidence."
