United keeper David De Gea was spat at as he walked to the Old
Trafford dressing room at half-time.
Players from both sides had to be parted by stewards as the
explosive confrontation threatened to escalate into a full-on
brawl.
Police became involved in an effort to calm tensions and keep
the feuding sides apart following an explosive first 45 minutes,
which saw Luis Suarez refuse to shake the hand of Patrice Evra
before kick-off.
It is unclear who was responsible for the spitting but a source
said: "De Gea was making his way to the tunnel and was clearly
shocked to be spat at.
"Obviously the players reacted angrily and both teams became
involved, before stewards managed to quieten it down."
Tempers were frayed again at the end of United's 2-1 victory
when Liverpool substitute Craig Bellamy got involved in a
confrontation with the Old Trafford head of security as players
left the pitch.
