(Updated at 11.13pm)

MAN CITY HAVE released a statement apologising for a controversial sign revealed by Carlos Tevez during their celebratory open-top bus ride this evening.

Tevez also said that he “didn’t mean any disrespect” by unveiling the sign, and it is believed to have been thrown to him by a fan in the crowd.

The City spokesperson added:

“The creation of the tasteless material is in itself reprehensible and in accepting and brandishing it, Carlos has made a significant error of judgement.

“The club wishes to express its sincerest apologies to Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United Football Club for any offence or distress caused.”

Tevez added: ”I got carried away in the excitement of the moment and I certainly didn’t mean any disrespect to Sir Alex Ferguson, who I admire as a man and a manager.”

The Argentinian striker revealed a sign (pictured above) featuring an image of a tombstone with the words ‘RIP Fergie’.

Tevez left Man United in controversial circumstances in 2009, and also repeatedly stated his desire to leave Man City last summer.

After being suspended for a prolonged period and returning to his native Argentina for allegedly refusing to come on as a substitute against Bayern Munich, he then returned in time for the final weeks of the season and ultimately helped City win the title.

It has been suggested that it is a response to a 2009 comment from Ferguson who, when asked about whether Man United would ever be underdogs against City, said: “Not in my lifetime.”

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