Marouane Fellaini alleged to have spat at Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta after Manchester United midfielder was booked for elbow

The Football Association has confirmed it is looking into claims the Belgian spat at Zabaleta after the pair clashed in United's 3-0 derby defeat

Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini is alleged to have spat at Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta (Getty Images)

The Football Association has confirmed it will look into claims that Marouane Fellaini spat at Pablo Zabaleta during the Manchester derby on Tuesday.

Footage on YouTube has emerged appearing to show Manchester United midfielder Fellaini spitting near to Zabaleta's head while the City defender lay on the floor following a clash between the pair.

The FA is aware of the clip and is now considering whether it should charge Fellaini for misconduct.

It is understood referee Michael Oliver did not mention the alleged spit in his match report, but the FA can retrospectively punish Fellaini if it thinks he is guilty.

The FA will request clearer footage of the incident from broadcasters Sky before making a decision on the matter early next week.

The FA banned Hull's George Boyd for three matches after he spat at Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart earlier this month.

Oliver booked Fellaini moments before the alleged spit towards Zabaleta for an elbow on the Argentinian full-back.

After the 3-0 win, Zabaleta claimed Fellaini was lucky to stay on the pitch.

"I was elbowed by Fellaini. It was a red card," he said

PA