Nigel Pearson reveals James McArthur phone call

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has revealed that he has spoken to James McArthur about their bizarre touchline incident.

The Foxes manager appeared to choke the floored Crystal Palace midfielder during Leicester's 1-0 defeat at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.

Pearson has played down the incident, insisting that it was meant in jest, and credited McArthur for his maturity after explaining himself to the Scot over the phone.

He told reporters: "I don't wish I had handled it differently, it was jovial - things happen quickly in games.

"I spoke to him on Monday night, he actually text me and I was composing a text back but just decided to call him.

"I apologise to Alan [Pardew] for calling one of his players but it was just a friendly chat and I think McArthur comes out very well from the situation."

Pearson, whose side remain bottom of the Premier League table following a 2-1 loss to Arsenal last night, escaped FA punishment.