Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has denied allegations that he had racially abused Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute on Saturday during 0-0 La Liga draw.
Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has denied allegations that he had racially abused Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute on Saturday during 0-0 La Liga draw.
Kanoute had said he was "provoked and insulted" while players from both sides clashed after Barcelona was awarded a penalty in second-half stoppage time.
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Before it was taken, an angry Kanoute kicked the ball away from the spot and then appeared to grab Fabregas around the throat before being sent off, The Telegraph reports.
Goalkeeper Javi Varas then saved Lionel Messi's kick.
Media reported that Fabregas had racially abused Kanoute, but the 24-year-old vehemently denied the reports on his Twitter account.
"I can proudly say that after many years in football, I always maintained the best relationships with my team mates who came from different backgrounds, races, religions and nationalities," he wrote.
"No one has ever accused me of being racist or bigoted in all my years of playing in the game. There is a simple explanation for that. I have never behaved in that manner. I will not tolerate anyone accusing me of things that I'm not. If they r [sic] frustrated by a decision that has gone against them on the football pitch then there r [sic] others ways to deal with it.
"To cry racism is cowardly and an easy option to excuse your own poor behaviour. My conscience is completely clear. I've done nothing wrong," Fabregas added.
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