David Moyes has rejected accusations from the Nigerian FA that he 'insulted a whole nation'.
Everton boss responds to accusations from Nigerian FA
Everton manager David Moyes has rejected accusations from the Nigerian FA that he 'insulted a whole nation'.
Speaking after Yakubu Aiyegbeni scored a hat-trick against SK Brann in last week's Uefa Cup tie, Moyes made a tongue-in-cheek quip regarding the Nigerian striker's age.
His comment prompted Nigerian FA secretary Bolaji Ojo-Oba to demand an apology from Moyes and that he should also be reprimanded.
Ojo-Oba said in the
Daily Mirror: "His statement is an unambiguous insult on a whole nation, and the biggest black nation in the world for that matter, and we demand an unreserved apology from Mr Moyes.
"We demand also that Mr Moyes must be expressly cautioned for insinuating that a civilised nation encourages age cheating."
Abhorrent
But Moyes insists he 'meant no offence' with his remark and is appalled by the suggestion he was being racist.
"What I said has been taken totally out of context," Moyes told
The Guardian.
"Does anyone seriously believe that I would have made Yakubu the most expensive player in Everton's history if I had any doubt at all about his age?
"Self evidently I meant no offence. I have never been accused of racism in my life - the idea is abhorrent to me."
