8 October 2004

MADRID - Spain coach Luis Aragones apologised Friday for making a racist comment against France and Arsenal player Thierry Henry.

Aragones claims he was trying to motivate striker Jose Reyes ahead of Spain's World Cup qualifier against Belgium when the incident occurred.

He told Reyes that Henry was a "black piece of shit".

Television microphones picked up on him referring to the Frenchman by using racist language while telling Reyes he was better than his Arsenal team-mate.

Aragones said: "In the first place, I want to make it clear that my intention was never to offend anyone. For that motive, I have to say that I have a clear conscience.

"What I said can only be interpreted in the atmosphere of the team and of a coach who has the obligation to motivate my players to obtain the best results.

"To do this, I was using colloquial language.

"All I can do is apologise to the people who could feel offended and repeat it was never my intention to disrespect anyone."

The incident brought public criticism of Aragones in Spain where his behaviour has been described in some newspapers as "unacceptable" and there were calls for his resignation as manager for bringing the national side into disrepute.

[Copyright EFE with Expatica]

Subject: Spanish news