Baros accused of racist gesture, maintains innocence

PARIS, Apr 19 (Reuters) Olympique Lyon striker Milan Baros maintained his innocence today after being accused of abusing Stade Rennes player Stephane M'Bia with a racist gesture in a Ligue 1 match yesterday.

French television showed the former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker pinching his nose and waving his hand at M'Bia as if he was repelling an offensive odour.

Lyon and Rennes drew 0-0.

Cameroon-born M'Bia said at the end of the game he had been ''deeply hurt by the gesture.'' Rennes chairman Frederic Saint-Sernin said he would watch the tape of the incident and could take action against Baros.

The Czech international, who joined Lyon in January from Aston Villa, said in a statement published by Olympique Lyon on their website (www.olweb.fr) that he regretted his gesture but denied it was meant to be racist.

''Milan Baros merely wanted to tell (M'Bia) something he didn't know how to say in French: 'leave me alone and give me breathing space','' the club said.

''Milan Baros has always denounced any form of racism, in sport and in life in general. Olympique Lyon share Baros's commitment against racism,'' the club added.

REUTERS BJR BST2102