Espanyol's Sergio Garcia denies claims he racially abused Barcelona's Samuel Umtiti
Monday 5 February 2018 14:54, UK
Espanyol forward Sergio Garcia has defended himself against claims he racially abused Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti.
Reports in Spain suggested Garcia made a racist slur towards Umtiti, a Cameroon-born France international, as tempers flared at the end of Sunday's 1-1 derby draw at the RCDE Stadium.
Former Spain international Garcia, who came on as a second-half substitute in the La Liga encounter, responded to the allegations via social media on Monday.
He wrote on Instagram: "First of all to clarify that I already spoke with Samuel yesterday. In no way were my intentions racist!
"You all know that my wife is of gypsy ethnicity and that I grew up in a neighbourhood with all the races in the world.
"My brother-in-law, with whom I have a strong friendship, is also African-American.
"Many things are said in the heat of a game which should stay on the pitch. Forca Espanyol!"
