Venables fury over Boateng’s allegations against Barmby
The Dutchman found himself embroiled in controversy yesterday after accusing Nicky Barmby of making racist remarks to him during the 2-2 draw against Leeds.
Barmby, flanked by Leeds’ boss Venables, called a news conference at the club’s training ground to deny the allegations.
Venables is so incensed he is considering taking the matter up personally with his Middlesbrough counterpart Steve McClaren.
The Leeds boss said: “This is a dangerous precedent and I think the questions should go to the other side and the answers delivered by them.
“Maybe I will speak to Steve McClaren. I can’t say more than that at this moment.
“This accusation about Nicky has come like a bolt out of the blue. I have known him for a long time. There is no way he should be sitting here defending himself.”
Boateng could face an FA charge after being caught on camera spitting in the direction of Leeds’ defender Jonathan Woodgate at the end of the game. Barmby said he was then assaulted by Boateng in the tunnel as he made his way to the dressing room.
Venables revealed they had rejected an apology from Boateng after the game but were now looking for him to say sorry publicly.
About the spitting incident, Venables said: “It is clear and I don’t think they (The FA) can ignore it. I haven’t
spoken to Jonathan about it.
“After the game there were a few problems, the boys were very upset.
“I asked Nicky what had gone on as his face had scratches on it.
“Things settled down, then we heard Boateng wanted to apologise. I felt the situation was far too inflamed and not a good moment for me to talk to the players about it.
“I said I wouldn’t accept the apology but I would accept a public apology as it was done in public. We were
prepared to forget this matter but if Boateng said he had made a mistake it would be very helpful.”
Barmby revealed the flashpoint came after Middlesbrough defender Franck Queudrue was sent off.
“There was an incident with Lee Bowyer on the field and he (Boateng) accused him of diving when their guy got sent off,” said Barmby.
“He got involved, I pushed him away and asked what he was getting involved for. Words were exchanged between me and George. That’s what goes on, on a football pitch. I am absolutely devastated what I have read today. I haven’t got a racist bone in my body.
“Afterwards he was the one who wanted to apologise to me. If I racially abused a bloke surely he would want an apology.”
Barmby added: “In the players’ tunnel I was scratched across the face by George Boateng. George has also gone on record to say we shook hands and 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.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
