Giggs defends celebrations

Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs says the proximity of home and away fans can make life difficult for players during goal celebrations as he defended his team following Sunday's derby victory at the Etihad Stadium.

There has been some criticism of United's players for the way they celebrated the winning goal in the weekend's Manchester derby, by gesticulating close to where many of the City fans were situated.

Following Robin van Persie's late winner, Rio Ferdinand was struck on the face by an object, while a home supporter ran on to the pitch to confront the experienced defender.

Giggs, who was on the substitute's bench during the entire 90 minutes, told the the club's official podcast: "First of all it's tough at City because their hardcore supporters are right next to our supporters.

"When they are so close together how can you determine whether you are just celebrating in front of United fans?

"When you score a goal like that you don't have control of yourself. As a player you want to celebrate.

"If you just scored a goal and walked back to the centre circle, United fans would want to know what's going on."

And Giggs says it is up to the clubs, police and the Football Association to ensure the scenes witnessed in the derby are not repeated.

Giggs watched the drama unfold from the bench and can understand the anger felt by Ferdinand, having himself been in a similar position in the past.

"No it (the incident) is not isolated," he said.

"The manager touched on it. I got hit at Chelsea when Chicharito scored.

"It happens. I think it's tough for someone to get hit in the face, for everyone to sort of make a big a thing out of it.

"It's not just one club, it's not just City, it's not just Chelsea. Every club, the excitement and the passion we all want but we don't want it to tip over the edge.

"A centimetre either side and Rio loses an eye, it's so dangerous. We don't want to see it. It is up to the clubs and the police, the FA to do everything in our power to make sure it doesn't happen again."