Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce has played down an off-the-ball incident involving fiery Michael Brown and Chelsea's Claude Makelele during the Latics' 2-1 FA Cup defeat.

Television replays showed Brown raise his arm as Makelele came in from behind, resulting in the veteran midfielder falling to the ground and requiring treatment.

In protest, the entire Chelsea bench jumped onto their feet and into the technical area, which led to Bruce having words with Chelsea manager Avram Grant.

Yet having seen the matter again, Bruce said: "There's no incident as far as I'm concerned, and I asked all of their bench 'did you see it?'

"They've ran up and jumped out of their skins because Makelele is on the floor, yet not one of them saw the incident, like I didn't.

"I don't mind if there's an incident to shout about, but I feel it is handbags. There's nothing in it at all, and it's a shame we are talking about it."

Grant maintains he was merely concerned for Makelele as last month he had an ear operation that kept him out for a few weeks.

"I'm not saying he was caught," insisted Grant.

"I was protesting because I wanted the referee to stop the play because there might have been a head injury.

"I was concerned because I saw him go down, and he has recently had this operation."