Levante midfielder Jefferson Lerma accuses former Liverpool striker Iago Aspas of racial abuse
Colombian midfielder, 23, made astonishing announcement following weekend's 0-1 home defeat to Celta Vigo
LEVANTE midfielder Jefferson Lerma has accused Iago Aspas of racial abuse following Levante's clash with Celta Vigo at the weekend.
Immediately after the match, the Colombian made the "announcement", where he claimed the former Liverpool man had called him a "f****** n*****".
Lerma also revealed he tried to make the referee aware, but his complaint was dismissed.
He said: "I would like to make an announcement.
"I believe these acts of racism cannot exist. I believe that Aspas said to me: 'F****** n*****' and this is not acceptable."
Asked if he had mentioned the incident to the referee, he replied: "Yes, of course, but he told me he was fed up with my complaining.
"But I do believe they will have to watch the footage back and see what happens.
"It's not up to me to judge, but this happened to me and it shouldn't be happening. It is the first time this has happened to me in Spain."
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Following the interview, Levante tweeted their full support of their player, saying: "After the revelations of Jefferson Lima after Levante-Celta, we want to who our firm support to the player.
"And we wholly reject and act of racism in football."
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Aspas has denied any allegations, insisting he did not say what Lerma claims.
Speaking to the club's official station, he said: "What is said on the pitch, stays on the pitch.
"I won't repeat what he said to me but, no matter what, I did not say what he claims I said."
Celta Vigo also reaffirmed their stance against racism.