United's Patrice Evra, Paul Scholes, John O'Shea, Gerard Pique and Gary Neville were taking part in the warm-down on the pitch when they were asked to move by Chelsea groundstaff.

The row erupted when the players refused to come off the pitch and an altercation broke out between Chelsea stewards, groundstaff and the United players.

Chelsea had earlier beaten Manchester United 2-1 to go level on points at the top of the Barclays Premier table.

Chelsea are to examine CCTV footage of the incident.

A spokesman for the club said: "We will be studying the relevant CCTV and camera footage in a bid to establish the best and most appropriate course of action."

Meanwhile Rio Ferdinand is planning to send a bouquet of flowers to the Chelsea steward he kicked by accident.

The Manchester United defender apologised to her after the incident at the end of the 2-1 defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

In a statement, released to PA Sport through the club, Ferdinand said: "I kicked the wall in frustration at the result as I have done in the past.

"Unfortunately a lady was stood by and I accidentally brushed her with my foot.

"I went back to make sure she was okay and apologised profusely.

"Credit to her she laughed it off and was very understanding.

"She said she wasn't hurt. I have arranged for a bouquet of flowers to be sent to her."