Shelvey stands by decision

The England international was sent off in last month's meeting between the two sides for a robust challenge on Jonny Evans and, as he left the field, suggested that Ferguson had influenced referee Mark Halsey's decision.

Ferguson called for an apology, something Shelvey has since issued, but he says he will not change his approach to tackling in the future, believing the opinion of current manager Brendan Rodgers is the only one he should fear.

Speaking to a number of national newspapers, he said: "I'd seen him (Ferguson) in the fourth official's ear after I made the tackle so as I was walking off I said: 'It's your fault I got sent off.'

"I knew I was in the wrong and then afterwards, as I was walking down the tunnel with my mate and his girlfriend, Ferguson was walking towards me. I just pulled him and apologised for what I had done.

"I said I was wrong and frustrated, I'm a young boy and emotions had got the better of me. But I told him I wouldn't have pulled out of the tackle if it was there. He said it was fine, that it takes a man to apologise, it was an emotional game and there are no hard feelings."

"My dad brought me up to respect people but if you have your opinion and feel you're in the right, not to be afraid to say it. I think that counts in all aspects of life. You have to fear no one, except for our manager here.

"It is about wanting to be a winner and a lot of games can be won on who wants it the most. I still stand by my decision that I wasn't going to pull out of that tackle. If I had pulled out I would have hurt myself and the fans would have gone mental."