Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has blamed the Match of the Day's pundits for making a "mountain out of a molehill" following his spat with Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur.

The Foxes were forced to deny reports that Pearson had been sacked on Sunday evening following the touchline altercation at the King Power stadium.

City are rock bottom of the Premier League ahead of Tuesday's game against Arsenal, and pressure has been building on Pearson in recent weeks.

His actions during Palace's 1-0 win on Saturday brought great discussion from Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, and pundits Jermaine Jenas and Danny Murphy.

He said: “It’s not helpful when the three fountains of knowledge on Match of the Day make a mountain out of a molehill.

Pardew relishing emotional reunion with Toon Army

All of the Time - Still Crazy McArthur All These Years

Crystal Palace: We're not out of trouble yet, says McArthur

Hangeland introduction was key to Palace win, says Pardew

"I can't see too much mileage in discussing yesterday. What I feel, if I have got things to say, I will say it in the appropriate manner to the appropriate people.

"I don't think I have ever been in a position where I speak too openly about what goes on in internal workings."

Pearson put his hands around McArthur's neck after the player's momentum took him falling off the pitch and into the manager, and an exchange of words followed.

The Leicester boss then grabbed McArthur's shirt as he attempted to go back on the pitch.

It is the second recent unseemly exchange involving Pearson, who was fined £10,000 and banned for one game for insulting a Leicester fan before Christmas.

Your Local Guardian:

Criticised: Danny Murphy