Phil backing brother Gary

Brother Phil has backed Gary Neville after his celebrations against Liverpool.

Phil Neville has leapt to the defence of his brother Gary after the Manchester United defender received criticism for his overt celebrations following United's winner against Liverpool.

Neville senior has never enjoyed the best of relationships with the Merseyside contingent and received his customary barracking at Old Trafford on Sunday.

A fired up Neville took retribution when he ran fully 60 yards to celebrate Rio Ferdinand's last-gasp headed winner in full view of Liverpool's masses.

Irate observers have criticised the England international for attempting to incite supporters but Phil insists the incident was much ado about nothing.

The Everton defender, too, is no stranger to the Manchester-Liverpool rivalry and believes his brother's celebrations are part and parcel of the high octane derby.

"My brother always celebrates like that when we beat Liverpool," Neville told Sky Sports.

"It means a lot to him and I think people should just let it go."

Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Monday no criminal investigation will take place but they have written to Manchester United and The FA regarding the matter.