Espanyol striker Sergio Garcia has denied racially abusing Barcelona‘s Samuel Umtiti in the Catalan derby on Sunday, saying that he had cleared the incident up with Umtiti directly.

“In no way were my intentions racist,” Garcia posted on Instagram.

“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!”

Umtiti was visibly outraged at the end of Sunday’s match, and fellow Barcelona defender Gerard Pique had to drag the Frenchman away from Garcia. The two then reportedly clashed again in the tunnel.

Spanish media alleged that Garcia called Umtiti a “black s***” during the on-pitch confrontation. Garcia reportedly later went to the Barcelona dressing room to apologise.