LaLiga: Espanyol's Sergio Garcia denies racially abusing Barcelona's Samuel Umtiti as Gerard Pique pulls players apart

Espanyol's Sergio Garcia has been forced to deny that he racially abused Barcelona defender Samuel Umtitil at the end of a highly-charged Catalan derby.

The French center-back had to be dragged away from the striker at the end of the 1-1 draw by goalscorer Gerard Pique - himself the target of abuse from Espanyol fans. The proud Catalan put his finger to his lips after heading in an 82nd-minute equaliser but became peace-maker shortly after as he got in between his team-mate and the Espanyol striker. SPORT alleged that Garcia had called Umtiti a "black s***."

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Umtiti and Garcia then reportedly clashed in the tunnel after the game, so incensed was the Frenchman with the Spanish striker, who Spanish media claimed entered the Barca dressing room after the game to apologise.

Former Spain international Garcia, who came on as a second-half substitute in the LaLiga encounter, since 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!"

Pique’s 82nd-minute goal earned Barcelona a point after Gerard Moreno headed home Garcia’s cross to give Espanyol the lead in a feisty derby played on a waterlogged pitch.