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Men's Football Garcia denies claims he racially abused Umtiti

ESPANYOL forward Sergio Garcia defended himself today 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 yesterday’s 1-1 derby draw at the RCDE Stadium.

Umtiti was visibly frustrated with Garcia and needed to be restrained by teammates.

Former Spain international Garcia, who came on as a second-half substitute in the La Liga encounter, responded to the allegations via social media.

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.”

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