Everton manager Sean Dyche says there was "nothing" in an altercation between himself and defender Nathan Patterson.
"I tapped him on the head like an older brother would and he didn't get the joke. It's really that simple," said Dyche, 52.
"Never let the truth get in the way of a good story. Nothing in it really."
Scotland international Patterson has played 25 times for Everton this season but his last appearance came in January.
The incident reportedly occurred during the Toffees trip to Portugal prior to the international break with defender James Tarkowski having to step in.