Leicester City have been forced to issue a statement confirming that Nigel Pearson is still the Foxes' manager after a number of media outlets reported that he had been sacked on Sunday night.
Speculation over the 51-year-old's future hit fever-pitch on the weekend after a disappointing 1-0 loss to fellow Premier League strugglers Crystal Palace -- a game which involved a bizarre pitch-side altercation between Pearson and Palace player James McArthur.
Contrary to reports, Nigel Pearson remains the Club's First Team Manager. Statement here http://t.co/QvmIrltulV #lcfc
- Leicester City (@OfficialFOXES) February 8, 2015
The Leicester manager was bowled over on the touchline by McArthur after a tackle by Marc Albrighton, resulting in what was initially a friendly exchange.
Pearson even playfully grabbed McArthur around the throat before helping him to his feet, only to then prevent him from returning to the pitch by grabbing hold of his shirt.
The exchange left many questioning Pearson's suitability to head Leicester's charge in the relegation dogfight, despite the fact that he led the Foxes to promotion from the Championship last season.
The short statement, posted on the Leicester City website said: "Nigel remains the Club's First Team Manager. Reports to the contrary are inaccurate and without foundation.
"Nigel, his staff and the first team squad are entirely focused on Tuesday night's trip to Arsenal and our continued efforts to secure our position in the Barclays Premier League."
Pearson's side remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, four points adrift from safety.