Lua Lua insists Vieri made 'monkey' taunt

The young forward, best known for his acrobatic goal celebrations, was involved in a shoving match with Vieri towards the end of the 2-2 draw.

Italian international Vieri has already hit back at the accusations, denying calling Lua Lua a "monkey".

"He told me I'm a monkey and this is the reason why I got angry," stormed the Magpies attacker.

"I wanted to tell him to stop with this but, after the words, I was provoked for a physical and not only a verbal reaction.

"Vieri was close to me, and he arrived, pushing me, telling me I'm a monkey.

"Obviously this was in addition to the other general insults, but these are accepted, especially in a match with a lot of stress.

"The incomprehensible thing is racism - that's why I reacted.

"Vieri wasn't alone in insulting me. There was another Inter player, but I don't remember who. I will have to see the tape to put the face to the name.

"The club decided to complain because all the people have seen what happened.

"They didn't only make insults against me but to Titus Bramble too.

"And I don't refer to the boos coming from the stands at San Siro, but to opposing players.

"In England these things don't happen, at least not at these levels.

"Football is a big business, a lot of money is involved, but you cannot forget the amusement and, especially, the respect for the opponent can't be lacking. Otherwise it's all over.

"The last time people told me racist insults was many years ago, when I played with Colchester.

"Times have changed. In England, there has a lot done about racist matters in the past years, and the results have arrived.

"Last week, in London, there was a conference about racism and there was the involvement of Gianfranco Zola, a big player and a big man.

"I know that all Italians aren't like Vieri, and Zola is a big example."

Vieri has dismissed the accusations, insisting he never taunted Lua Lua in this way.

"I took it badly because I have been considered a racist," he protested on Inter's official website.

"The people who know me, know what type of person I am.

"I also read that I have told Lua Lua he's a monkey. I never did this."

The burly striker added his version of events, explaining: "The referee hasn't done anything.

"Lua Lua went up to him and said I insulted him in a racist way. Personally, I took it very badly.

"They called me a racist, but it's absolutely wrong.

"When you are on the pitch, many things happen and you say many words, but not this type of thing for which I'm being charged.

"I've read in the papers that I called him a monkey but it's false."

Uefa are investigating the matter.