Ryan Giggs defends Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand

Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs has said that Rio Ferdinand is not at fault for being hit by a coin thrown by a Manchester City fan during the derby on Sunday.

There have been suggestions that the Red Devils defender celebrated Robin van Persie's injury-time winner too close to the City fans, thereby provoking them.

"First of all it's tough at City because their hardcore supporters are right next to our supporters," Giggs told United's official podcast Red Voices.

"When they are so close together how can you determine whether you are just celebrating in front of United fans?

"When you score a goal like that you don't have control of yourself. As a player you want to celebrate. If you just scored a goal and walked back to the centre circle, United fans would want to know what's going on."

Police have yet to identify the City fan who threw the coin at Ferdinand that left a cut near his left eye.