Baros denies racism claims

Lyon striker Milan Baros insists he is innocent following accusations of racist abuse.

Television pictures showed the former Aston Villa and Liverpool striker pinching his nose at Rennes player Stephane M'Bia, before waving his hand to infer the presence of a nasty smell.

The incident has caused great controversy in France - with Rennes chairman Frederic de Saint-Sernin calling for the league to act - but Baros has refused to apologise, stating he has no case to answer and does not hold any racist views.

"I first want to state that I'm not a racist," Baros told a press conference. "We talked to each other from the beginning of the game but it was not racist talk.

"If you call M'Bia and ask him if I said something racist against him if he is honest he will say no. I'll never apologise because I haven't done anything."

The French League (LNR) are expected to start investigating the incident on Thursday, and Saint-Sernin wants the governing body to take action against Baros following the row.

"I don't know if you see this image every Saturday, but not me," Saint-Sernin told RMC.

"We can't accept such images because a month ago we signed an anti-racist convention. We have to be exemplary, our players have to be exemplary.

"If we don't react and only say 'It happens every Saturday', football will continue to be violent and less and less exemplary."

M'Bia has also called for the French league to take action after insisting he will not forgive Baros for the gesture which has caused such controversy.

However, M'Bia has stated that he did not hear Baros use racist language during the 0-0 draw.

"When he did that gesture, I think the linesman saw there was a problem and told the referee. He called us and asked us to remain calm," M'Bia told L'Equipe.

"Baros spoke in English, and very quickly. I believe he repeated 'That's the game, we will play'. I could not hear everything but he had no racist words.

"Everyone around me tells me it is racism. I am affected, it hurts me. What does it mean? I smell bad? I am a s***? Would he have the same behaviour towards a white player?

"Now it is up to the league to settle the problem, I won't forgive him."