The pair had a "little exchange" on Friday - 24 hours before City's 2-1 victory against Everton at Goodison Park.

"What happened was blown out of all proportion, but the result and performance will say enough - that was key," said Richards on his website.

"There's absolutely no problem between me and the gaffer [Hughes]. We're both winners and want the club to progress and be successful. It was more passion than anything, and was a misunderstanding."

Hughes said after the game: "People seem to be making a big thing of the little exchange we had. These things happen time and time again at training grounds.

"If it had been a serious incident he wouldn't have played so that shows you the strength of it."

Richards was forced to come off with a knee problem and will have a scan to assess the damage.

"It's sore but touch wood it's nothing serious," he added.