Lydon denies 'racist attack' claim

Punk legend John Lydon has denied allegations he was involved in a racist attack on Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke.

Okereke has alleged he was in a fracas with Sex Pistols singer Lydon and his entourage in which a racist insult was hurled at him.

He claimed the incident happened backstage at the Summercase festival in Barcelona, Spain this weekend.

But Lydon - known in his punk heyday as Johnny Rotten - insists the allegation is a lie.

He says: "I feel very sorry for a man who needs to lie about what was a perfect evening.

"After the show John Rotten and management remained behind to sign autographs, which we did for four solid hours without incident and had a great time talking to other Spanish bands. This seems to have sparked jealousy in certain bands. The trouble was brought to us, resulting in those causing the trouble being physically removed by festival security."

In the statement, issued to NME.com, Lydon adds: "We are in the middle of a wonderful tour, after 30 years we are achieving a true unity in our audience.

They are multi-varied, all ages, all races, creeds and colours.

"When you are at a festival with bands who are jealous fools, lies and confusion usually follow. If they need publicity so badly this is the allegation universe they run into."

Lydon also tells Okereke to "grow up and learn to be a true man", adding:"When you have achieved as much as I have, come back and talk to me.

"It's a shame that the wonderful world of the media is riddled with nonsense like this."