Manchester City, Tevez apologise for 'RIP Fergie' banner

London, May 15 (ANI): Manchester City has apologised to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson after striker Carlos Tevez sparked a controversy with a 'RIP Fergie' banner during his club's Premier League title trophy parade through the city on Monday night.

The banner, handed to Tevez by a City supporter during the 90-minute bus parade, is believed to have been a reference to a quote by Ferguson prior to a derby game in 2009 when, after being asked if he ever saw a time when his team would be underdogs, he replied: "Not in my lifetime."

Tevez has also expressed his regret after he was pictured with a sign, which read 'RIP Fergie' during title-winning parade in Manchester, the Daily Mail reports.

A City spokeswoman said: "The creation of the tasteless material is in itself reprehensible and in accepting and brandishing it, Carlos has made a significant error of judgement.

"The club wishes to express its sincerest apologies to Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United Football Club for any offence or distress caused."

Tevez, who spent two years at Old Trafford before leaving for City in 2009, said: "I got carried away in the excitement of the moment and I certainly didn't mean any disrespect to Sir Alex Ferguson, who I admire as a man and a manager."

City beat arch rivals United to the Premier League title on goal difference after a dramatic last-gasp 3-2 win over QPR on the final day of the season. (ANI)