Gerhard Struber and Alex Neil blamed each other after their lack of a post-match handshake led to ugly scenes at the final whistle of Millwall’s fiercely competitive Championship win at Bristol City.
Millwall boss Neil claimed Struber withdrew his hand while his opposite number insisted he made two efforts to take it, which were ignored.
Lions striker Mihailo Ivanovic grabbed the only goal of a tight contest, shooting home from eight yards from a Ra’ees Bangura-Williams pass on 59 minutes after City goalkeeper Radek Vitek had made a double save from two Femi Azeez shots.
But the major talking point came at the end when staff and players from both clubs became involved in a touchline brawl that took a while to break up and is certain to provoke an investigation.
Neil said: “I will tell you exactly what happened. I went to shake their head coach’s hand and he pulled his away, which I found disappointing. I made that clear and the next thing it was handbags all round.
“Irrespective of the result, I always shake the hand of the opposition manager and it was the same today. So I accept no blame for what happened.”
Struber argued: “To be crystal clear, I twice tried to take his hand and I hope there are pictures, which will prove that.
“What happened did not look nice and we all have a responsibility in that situation, but emotions run high at the end of a game like that.”
Seconds before the final whistle City’s Zak Vyner fired in what looked a valid equaliser only to be denied by a linesman’s flag against team-mate Ross McCrorie, who had headed the ball across the penalty area.
It looked a harsh decision and not for the first time, Struber called for VAR to be introduced in Championship fixtures.
He said: “There are some experienced officials in our league, but also some young ones who need some help. I am not the only coach to think this and today a video referee would have made sure our goal was given.
“The players were upset at the decision, so emotions were high at the final whistle. I can’t say that it contributed to what happened at the end, but I understand how they felt.
“We controlled a lot of the game, but we have to be sharper when it comes to finishing the chances we create. Millwall defended very well and were sharp when it came to taking their goal.
“They are high in the table and we matched them, which is a positive going into another home game against Leicester on Wednesday.”
Of his side’s performance, Neil said: “It wasn’t our best. We didn’t carry enough threat in the first half, but had enough chances in the second half to score more goals.
“They played better stuff than us if you are talking about football being easy on the eye. But I am delighted with how my players applied themselves and the way they defended throughout the game.
“I’m also pleased for Max Crocombe, who made a brilliant late save going to his right. We have come to a very tough place and are going away with a great result.”
