Wednesday 22 October 2014 21:50, UK
Leeds owner Massimo Cellino has defended Giuseppe Bellusci after the defender was accused of making a racist comment.
The Football Association is investigating a claim from Norwich striker Cameron Jerome that he was racially abused by Bellusci during Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at Carrow Road.
And in the meantime Cellino has told the Yorkshire Evening Post he backs his player's version of events: that he spoke to Jerome in Italian and made no reference to race.
“Bellusci is no racist," Cellino said. "I spoke with him and he said ‘you must be joking, I said nothing like this to him (Jerome).’ He is surprised by this. He is shocked.
“I don’t allow racists at this club and I won’t allow racists at this club ever. If one of my players is a racist, I’ll kick him out before the FA has a chance.
“Bellusci says he spoke (to Jerome) in Italian. I don’t know if he (Jerome) speaks Italian too but Bellusci swears to me he said nothing racist. I believe him and I’ll support him.”
Jerome said on Twitter in the aftermath of the incident: "On what was actually said would not be fair for me to say at this point but it will be a matter for the governing body to deal with.
"As all will know an allegation has been made by myself to the referee in which he made note of and will write it in his match report."