Neville to escape further punishment

Gary Neville is set to escape extra punishment over his sending off at Goodison Park.

The Manchester United full-back was dismissed for violent conduct during the second half of his side's 1-0 defeat by Everton last night after he kicked the ball into the crowd.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson condemned the behaviour, claiming the England defender "should have known better".

The incident immediately raised the prospect of intervention by police and the possibility of a Football Association charge in addition to an automatic three-match ban, which will rule Neville out of the Premiership clashes with Newcastle, Charlton and West Brom.

However, those fears have are now receding, with Soho Square officials unlikely to investigate the incident further.

Merseyside Police have so far received no public complaints over Neville's conduct and, because there was no incitement element to the defender's actions, are happy to leave the matter in the hands of the FA and Everton, who are likely to let the matter drop.

Paul Scholes will serve a one-match ban after it was confirmed he was dismissed for a second bookable offence in injury time.

Ferguson, who himself clashed with Everton manager David Moyes, said: "You can't kick a ball at a spectator nowadays and Gary should know that. There was intimidation from spectators but you expect that in a big game. Gary should have known better."