One wonders what kind of charges the FA might be bringing had there been CCTV in the tunnel to record what is alleged to have taken place immediately after this explosive match? Such were the scenes in the tunnel, and in front of the two dressing rooms afterwards, that the match has since been labelled the Battle of the Buffet.
Reliable sources say that as Wenger stood outside the Arsenal dressing room, Van Nistelrooy passed him on his way to the home dressing room. Wenger is alleged to have called him a cheat. The comments did not please the Dutchman. When he reached United's dressing room and told his fellow players and manager what had been said, they were even less pleased.
Sources say that Ferguson came out to confront Wenger. As the two men faced up to each other, somebody from within the Arsenal dressing room threw a pizza at Ferguson. This splattered on his shirt and he had to change before he could take questions at the post-match interview.
Had the FA investigated these alleged incidents they would have had to take statements from Wenger, Van Nistelrooy and Ferguson, and a more damaging story might have emerged. But in the absence of evidence that can be used in a disciplinary hearing, the FA are looking at what Wenger said at the press conference, leading to a much tamer inquiry.
