Celta's Aspas denies racially abusing Levante's Lerma

MADRID (Reuters) - Levante midfielder Jefferson Lerma accused Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas of racially insulting him during the Spanish league match between the sides on Sunday.

Aspas later denied making the comment in a statement published on Celta Vigo's website (www.rccelta.es).

Lerma said he had reported the alleged comment to referee Alfonso Alvarez Izquierdo but was told to stop complaining and play on.

"I want to make an announcement, these acts of racism cannot happen," Lerma told Gol TV after his side’s 1-0 home defeat by Celta.

Asked if he had spoken to the referee, Lerma said: "Yes but the referee told me he was fed up of so much complaining, but I think that they will have to look at videos (of the incident) and we will see what happens."

Spanish international and former Liverpool player Aspas responded by saying: "What is said on the pitch, stays on the pitch, so I will not repeat what he said to me. In any case, I did not say what he says I did."

Celta Vigo highlighted their "firm defence of fair play and respect between rivals on and off the pitch" in the statement.

Levante wrote in a tweet: "Levante want to show their firm backing of the player and rejection of any display of racism in football."

The incident was not included in the referee’s report but may be investigated by La Liga.

(Reporting by Rik Sharma; Editing by Clare Fallon)