Ferdinand sorry for Balotelli bust-up

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has apologised for his confrontation with City’s Mario Balotelli after the FA Cup semi-final.

Ferdinand and his United team-mates were upset when the young striker flaunted his badge to opposition fans after City’s 1-0 win at Wembley on Saturday.

Balotelli also winked sarcastically at Ferdinand and the pair had to be separated after the final whistle.

The Manchester United defender took to his Twitter account to apologise.

“If you score a goal and give a bit to opposing fans, I kind of accept that but at the final whistle, go to your own fans and enjoy it, not opposing fans,” Ferdinand posted.

“If I offended anyone, I apologise. Emotions (were) obviously running high.”

The loss ended United’s hopes of claiming the FA Cup, English Premier League and UEFA Champions League treble but Ferdinand urged his team-mates to maintain focus on the remaining two prizes.

“Disappointed we didn’t get the win we were looking for,” he tweeted.

“Now, let’s go and win some silverware.”

But there was some good news for Ferdinand with his wife Rebecca giving birth to their first daughter in the early hours of Saturday morning.

“We had a baby girl named Tia Ferdinand! Want to thank the ambulance service and all the Wythenshawe Hospital staff for helping my baby arrive safely,” he said.