Joe Hart loses his cool during Manchester derby and appears to square up to referee Michael Oliver

Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart was fortunate to escape unpunished after he appeared to square up to the referee during the Manchester derby.

Hart was incensed after Chris Smalling blocked him from releasing the ball in the 30th minute of the game. 

And, despite Smalling being shown a yellow card -  the first of two he received before half time - Hart was furious.

Hart had been angry after Chris Smalling attempted to block his clearance, for which the defender was booked

The England No 1 sprinted towards Oliver to remonstrate, before squaring up to the official.

Pictures seem to suggest that Hart's head may even have made contact with the referee, which could see him in trouble with the FA.

However, Oliver seemed to brush off the encounter, booking Smalling and sending Hart back to his goal before allowing the game to continue. ...DailyMail