CHRIS WISE Nigel Worthington slammed his opposite number Neil Warnock as disrespectful and unprofessional after a controversial ending to Norwich City's pulsating 2-1 win over Sheffield United.

CHRIS WISE

Nigel Worthington slammed his opposite number Neil Warnock as disrespectful and unprofessional after a controversial ending to Norwich City's pulsating 2-1 win over Sheffield United.

At the final whistle blew Warnock was clearly caught by TV cameras angrily directing a two-fingered gesture at the Norwich bench, which was celebrating City's fourth home win on the trot.

Furious fans called BBC Radio Norfolk after the match to protest while others have urging supporters to complain to the FA.

Worthington - hated by the United fans because of his long playing links with city rivals Sheffield Wednesday - has viewed video tape of the incident, but says that while he doesn't plan to make an official complaint, he can see where the fans' anger emanates.

“I didn't know anything about it until I saw it on television afterwards,” said the City boss yesterday.

“At the time I didn't really hear or see anything. A few people mentioned it so I had a look.

“I am not bothered about it in any way, shape or form, but I did find it disrespectful and unprofessional.

“There is a manager's code of conduct - and that is definitely not it in.

“What I can also confirm is that I did shake hands with Neil Warnock after the game.”

Warnock's view of events, not surprisingly, was rather different, as he sought to justify his actions by claiming he had been ignored when he tried to shake hands.

“I was totally disappointed,” he told ITV's The Championship programme. “I put my hand out to their bench and two of them just walked away. I thought it was an absolute disgrace if I am being honest.

“Yes, you can celebrate, but I think when a manager puts his hand out like that he deserves some recognition.”

Asked if he expected the FA to take any action over his gesture he added: “I am sure they have got more important things to worry about than that.”

It's not the first time Warnock has fallen foul of his fellow managers for his antics on the sidelines. As an individual who always wears his heart on his sleeve, the Sheffield United boss has never been slow to voice his opinion when he feels he has a grievance - and many will argue that is all part of the game.

But making offensive gestures to his opposite number is another thing altogether and it may just be a matter that the game's governing body will deem worthy of investigation, especially as television evidence is available to them.