Soccer:Police are investigating an incident in which Manchester City footballer Craig Bellamy confronted a fan on the pitch. The Welsh international marched towards the man, who staged a solo pitch invasion, and shoved him in the face before the fan was led away by match stewards at the Manchester derby game.

The man ran from the Manchester United home section as Manchester City took the kick-off following Michael Owen's late goal in United's 4-3 victory at Old Trafford yesterday.

Neither the fan nor Bellamy has made a complaint to police about the clash.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "At the end of the derby between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, a member of the public ran on to the pitch, and was detained by police and security staff.

"During this time, there was an altercation between the man and a player from Manchester City FC.

"No formal complaint has been made by either party but police are continuing to make inquiries."

Following the Premier League match, City boss Mark Hughes said it was "not acceptable" for the fan to invade the playing area.

"I seem to recall Brian Clough clipping someone around the ear, and he was lauded as a national hero," said Hughes.

"Maybe it will be the same case with Craig - but I doubt it.

"I'm sure people will make a nuisance about it, but the guy should not have been on the pitch. That is not acceptable."

Former United defender David May said Bellamy was "silly" to get involved.

May, who played for United between 1994 and 2003, believes Bellamy should not have got involved - but understands why he did.

He said: "It was silly but I suppose to a certain extent it was understandable.

"When anyone comes on to the pitch it's worrying but maybe he shouldn't have slapped the fan, he should have walked away and let the steward get on with it.

"Players have to be professional but I think the whole occasion got to him - he had got City back into it at 3-3 and his emotions were running high.

"But you can't go round slapping fans. It's the wrong thing to do."

Greater Manchester Police will also investigate a coin-throwing attack on City substitute Javier Garrido, who was struck as he headed down the tunnel at half-time.

The missile was launched from the home section of the crowd as Garrido walked alongside the probable intended target, Carlos Tevez, who was jeered throughout by United fans following his transfer from the home team in the summer.

Police said there were no reports of any widespread disorder between fans at either the ground or in the city centre.

Twelve people were arrested at the ground for a variety of public order offences and a further 10 were arrested in the city.

A total of 51 supporters were ejected from Old Trafford during the match.