Former Swansea City star Ashley Williams has revealed ex-Manchester United striker Robin van Persie’s X-rated response to him after their infamous incident in 2012.
United were held to a 1-1 draw against a stubborn Swansea side away from home during Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season in charge of the Premier League club.
Patrice Evra fired United into the lead after connecting from a Van Persie corner, but Swansea cult hero Michu denied the Red Devils all three points from the contest.
However, the Premier League tie between Swansea and United is infamously remembered for a second-half incident involving Van Persie and Williams.
Williams attempted to clear the ball away and his clearance struck Van Persie on the back of the head, with the ex-United striker on the floor of the pitch at the time.
A furious Van Persie squared up to the former Swansea defender, with both the ex-United star and Williams receiving bookings after their heated exchange.
Williams on what Van Persie said to him
Speaking on the Stretford Paddock YouTube channel, Williams admitted that he “was out of order” and “didn’t really mean” what he did to Van Persie.
Williams, who was “impressed” by one United star earlier this month, has now opened up on what the former Arsenal and Red Devils striker said back to him.
“I knew I was out of order, I didn’t really mean it,” he said.
“Yeah [I did it deliberately]. I’ve said to so many times, the ball just rolled, his head was there and it was like…
“I had no issue with him in the game, no issue before. I thought he was a great player, not like someone I didn’t like — and he doesn’t give you out.
“I didn’t mean to hit his head but I was surprised when I hit it. Then I was like, ‘Oh, s**t, I’ve hit his head.’ He’s fuming. I was like whatever, it caused a big thing.
“Next time I played them the ball was down, I was [to Van Persie] like, ‘Oh, sorry about that before, I didn’t mean it.’ He’s like, ‘f**k off.’ I’d probably react the same.”
Ferguson was not happy with Williams
Ferguson was disappointed by United dropping points and pulled no punches towards Williams, who has since become a pundit following his playing career.
The legendary former United manager famously claimed that Williams could have “killed” Van Persie, with Ferguson calling it an “absolute disgraceful act.”
Despite Ferguson’s suggestion that Williams “should be banned for a long time,” the FA took no further action against the former Swansea man over the incident.
Williams was defended from Ferguson’s criticism at the time by several managers, including Roberto Martinez, Brendan Rodgers, Alan Pardew and Harry Redknapp.