The rift between Kyle Walker and Nicolas Jover at the Emirates Stadium was the result of Manchester City’s agitation over the Arsenal manager’s behavior last season.
The City captain was pulled away from Jover, a former City manager, as the teams headed towards the tunnel following Arsenal’s 1-0 win over their Premier League title rivals.
Erling Haaland was also close to the incident and Walker was seen stung by Jover’s offer of a handshake in a candid exchange.
Mail Sport understands Jover’s refusal to shake hands with City stars after last year’s two league matches – both lost by Arsenal – was seen as disrespectful by the champions.
Sources branded the 41-year-old a “hypocrite” for actively pursuing Walker after Arsenal dealt a major blow in the title race. Jover reportedly kept his hands firmly behind his back and showed “no interest” in jokes after defeats.
Arsenal’s win over Manchester City on Sunday saw a furious tunnel break between City defender Kyle Walker and Gunners coach Nicolas Jover after the final whistle.
Jover (right) worked under Pep Guardiola as part of City’s backroom team between 2019 and 2021.
But Jover then worked for Mikel Arteta, Guardiola’s former number 2, at Arsenal in 2021.
Your browser does not support iframes.
The Football Association confirmed it was not investigating the incident, which was quickly resolved following the intervention of Arsenal security staff.
The set-piece coach joined City in 2019 before leaving amicably to reunite with Mikel Arteta two years ago.
Jover’s debut in English football came at Brentford, where he worked under Dean Smith and Thomas Frank in the Championship, before making his name at City.
Asked about Sunday’s showdown, Pep Guardiola said: “I know what happened but I won’t say anything. They know that.
Sky Sports footage of the incident showed Jover offering Walker a handshake as the City man headed towards the tunnel, only for Walker to dismiss him with a wave of his hand.
Words are then exchanged and an angry Walker turns to confront Jover.
Footage from the stands near the Emirates tunnel showed Walker angrily exchanging words and slapping his finger as other City players and staff from both sides got involved.
Walker is taken back towards the tunnel but points the finger at an Arsenal official.
Walker was visibly irritated by everything Jover said, sparking the massive meltdown
Jover is pictured with Arteta after Arsenal beat City to win the Community Shield in August
Bukayo Saka reacts in post-match brawl after Arsenal defeat Man City