Chelsea have dismissed claims by Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o that he was racially abused by a steward after their 4-2 Champions League victory.
A spokesman for the club said: “Chelsea utterly refutes that any racist comments were made by any of its permanent or matchday staff.
“Chelsea has an excellent record of supporting anti-racism campaigns and condemns all forms of racism.”
“One of the stewards called me a monkey….this is the mentality of this club,” Eto’o said in the aftermath of the epic encounter.
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard had to be restrained after the final whistle, but insisted: “It was not a big deal.
“You know what it’s like after an emotional game like that, all feelings running high. Someone came forward and kind of insulted us on our bench.
“I don’t know who it was, just some guy. It was nothing serious.”
Discussing the verbal feud which almost overshadowed the build-up to the game, the Dutchman added: “You always feel bitter after a loss, but maybe I feel a bit more bitter because of all the lies that were told before this game.
“I suppose all the stuff surrounding the game wants you to win a bit more, and makes it hurt more when you lose.
“These things happen when people show their emotions sometimes.”
Cameroon international Eto’o said that an exchange with an unknown figure had made him “very angry”.
Uefa could be asked to take further action if Barcelona make a formal complaint.
William Gaillard, Uefa’s director of communications, said: “If a formal complaint is made, of course we will investigate it but there will have to be some evidence of what happened.
“We will not let it rest if a complaint is made. If one individual has said something we would hope Chelsea will take action, but there must be some neutral witnesses also.”
