Barcelona dismiss Drenthe’s accusation of racism against Messi

London: Spanish club Barcelona have dismissed claims made by Everton’s on loan player Royston Drenthe that Lionel Messi called him ‘negro’ many a times when they played against each other in the La Liga.

The Catalan giants have praised Messi’s character, and claimed Drenthe’s accusations are well wide of the mark. “The player has always shown maximum respect and sportsmanship towards his rivals, something recognised by fellow professionals,” The BBC quoted a Barcelona spokesman, as saying. “We are sure that any accusations to the contrary are well wide of the mark,” he added. ANI