SWINDON Town’s defeat to Oxford United ended in sour scenes at the County Ground with reports of a tunnel fracas between both sides.

Luke Williams’ side fell to a 2-1 defeat to their bitter rivals and the unsavoury aftermath, which had begun between fans before the lunchtime kick-off, spilled over onto the pitch come the referee’s final whistle.

Skipper Nathan Thompson and Oxford’s Chris Maguire had to be pulled apart following the conclusion of the match and the incident appeared to continue down the tunnel, with Oxford United manager Michael Appleton, who refused to comment on the incident, sporting a cut under his right eye when emerging for his post-match press duties.

“What I am hearing is that there was a spitting incident, which I think is provocative to say the least,” said Williams, who had his own post-match duties abruptly cut short before questions from the written media.

“You’ve then got to be so strong not to react because as soon as you react, you are the one who is in the wrong.

“I didn’t see the incident but there is a lot of fuss and there is a lot of mess inside the tunnel area, so I know something has gone on.

“It’s impossible to describe.”

Town had taken the lead in the 19th minute of the midday kick-off when Fankaty Dabo netted his first professional goal from the edge of the box.

However, they were unable to hold on and two goals in three second-half minutes from Liam Sercombe and Rob Hall inflicted a third-straight defeat, a result that was hard for Williams to stomach.

“At the moment, it is too painful to even know where to start,” he added.

“The game is a derby, it’s furious, and we have managed to make the most meaningful actions out of the chaos and go in front.

“It should then be easier and we have made it more difficult.”

There was also a significant absentee from the crowd as director of football Tim Sherwood missed the encounter, leaving Williams to pick the team for the first time since the arrival of the former Aston Villa manager in November.

When asked if he had taken full responsibility for the team selection, Williams replied: “I have done,” but failed to explain Sherwood’s no-show.

“That was my instructions and I do whatever I am asked to do for the best interest of the football club.

“I think it is difficult and unfair for me to answer (where Tim is). It’s probably a question for Tim directly.

“I don’t ask questions as to why he is not here. I know there is a reason but it would be unfair for me to try and answer that for him.

“I don’t pry and I am sure if Tim was given the chance to speak and tell people why he was not here, he will do.”