Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic clashed with Liverpool striker Luis Suarez BEFORE the Uruguayan's biting incident yesterday, it has been revealed.

The Daily Mail says Ivanovic took exception to Suarez after appearing to be caught by the Uruguayan's elbow in a first half challenge.

Television cameras caught the two exchanging comments as they walked off the pitch at half time and Suarez placed his hand on top of the Serbian defender's head as if to dismiss Ivanovic's protests.

However, the argument continued in the tunnel area and a fracas ensued between the two. Teammates pulled the pair apart but Ivanovic believes the incident may have prompted Suarez's more graphic show of frustration in the 73rd minute.

Afterwards, Ivanovic made light of what faint marks remained on his arm from Suarez's bite as teammates quizzed him on what had happened.

As the Chelsea party headed back to London, members of the Liverpool squad tried to contact Ivanovic via other Chelsea players to offer an apology from Suarez.

Initially the 29-year-old wanted to distance himself from the incident but, realising the ensuing furore, is now understood to have spoken directly to Suarez and accepted his apology.