Antonio Conte: I did not mock Manchester United

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says he was “not mocking anyone” after appearing to antagonise Jose Mourinho in Manchester United’s 4-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.

Conte encouraged Blues fans to make more noise in the closing stages, with reports claiming Mourinho told the Italian at the final whistle that his actions had “humiliated” United.

But Conte said: “I’ve been a player too and I know how to behave.

“I always show great respect for everyone, including Manchester United.”

Goals from Pedro, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante ensured Mourinho’s first return to Chelsea since he was sacked last year ended in bitter disappointment.

Mourinho, 53, received a relatively warm welcome at Stamford Bridge, although the match ended with the Portuguese boss seemingly having harsh words with Conte.

The 47-year-old Italian had urged the home fans to raise the noise levels in appreciation of his team’s performance – because he could only hear the travelling United fans.

Reports in the Italian media claimed Mourinho told Conte: “You don’t celebrate like that at 4-0, you can do it at 1-0, otherwise it’s humiliating for us.”

Neither manager confirmed what was said in their post-match media conferences.

“There was no incident, it was just a normal thing to do. I wasn’t mocking anyone, I wouldn’t do that,” said Conte.

“Today it was right to call our fans in a moment when I was listening to only the supporters of Manchester United at 4-0.

“The players, after a 4-0 win, deserved a great clap. It’s very normal.

“If we want to cut the emotion we can go home and change our job.”