Manchester City: Pep Guardiola denies snubbing handshake from Cesc Fabregas after defeat to Chelsea

The Manchester City manager appeared to ignore Fabregas, who played under him at Barcelona during the 2011/12 season

Guardiola did not notice Fabregas in the mass of bodies around Taylor at full-time (Getty)

Pep Guardiola has denied all claims that he snubbed a handshake from Cesc Fabregas following his sides 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

The Manchester City manager appeared to ignore Fabregas, who played under him at Barcelona during the 2011/12 season.

However, Guardiola has now claimed that he spoke with his former player and fellow Catalan after the game, insisting he did not see him while on the field.

“I said hello to Cesc in the dressing room. On the field I didn’t realise he was trying to greet me,” he explained.

The City boss had stormed onto the pitch following the final whistle to confront Anthony Taylor, the match referee, about a last minute brawl that saw his side collect two red cards.

Sergio Aguero was initially given his marching orders for a reckless challenge on David Luiz, which left the Brazilian defender in a heap on the floor.

A fracas between players from both sides broke out as a result and Fernandinho, the City midfielder, eventually saw red for grabbing Fabregas by the neck and pushing him over an advertising board.

Fabregas played under Guardiola at Barcelona for one season (Getty)

Guardiola apologised for the behaviour of his players in the final stages, but also claimed that his side had played better in the defeat to Chelsea than in recent weeks.

“I am very happy with the way we played,” he said. “Against Chelesa we played a lot better than the last two games at home against Crystal Palace and Burnley.”