Fabregas: 'I'm no saint, but I'm no racist either'

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has admitted he is no saint but denied directing any racist abuse toward Sevilla’s Frederic Kanoute during a heated encounter on Saturday

Kanoute and Fabregas were involved in an altercation at the close of the 0-0 draw which saw Kanoute sent off and Fabregas facing accusations he racially insulted the Mali striker.

Fabregas immediately denied the reports on Twitter and returned to the subject on Wednesday.

“I’ve never worried about it, I know what I said,” the Spain international said. “I spoke with Kanoute and we said what we had to say.

“Like every other football player, I’m no saint, but I never said anything racist and no one is saying any different.”   

Kanoute and Fabregas exchanged words after Kanoute had kicked the ball off the spot with Lionel Messi readying to take an added-time penalty. Sevilla goalkeeper Javi Varas saved Messi’s effort after the delay to preserve the draw at the Camp Nou.