Nick Barmby today angrily denied he made racist remarks to Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng.
The Dutchman claimed after Saturday's 2-2 draw against Leeds that Barmby had verbally abused him. But in a prepared statement Barmby said he is devastated at the comments.
"I totally reject any allegation that I made racist remarks to George Boateng or any other Middlesbrough player on Saturday," he said.
"That accusation is categorically untrue, and I feel devastated by it.
"My reputation has been seriously undermined by an opponent who appears desperate to justify his own actions.
"Words were exchanged between George and me on the field. I said absolutely nothing of a racist nature, did not butt him or abuse his family.
"The person who wanted to apologise afterwards was George Boateng to me. Middlesbrough officials approached manager Terry Venables asking him to accept an apology.
"If George Boateng was the abused why was he so keen to apologise to me?"
Leeds midfielder Barmby said that he had been attacked by Boateng immediately after the game.
"In the players' tunnel as we left the field I was scratched across the face by Boateng.
"George has also gone on record to say we shook hands, that he apologised to me personally after the game and that we met in the players' lounge.
"These claims are also untrue. He didn't personally apologise to me afterwards, and I didn't even go in the players' lounge."
Boateng could face an FA charge after being seen to spit in the direction of Leeds central defender Jonathan Woodgate after the game.