Latics' Croft denies claims

Oldham winger Lee Croft has vehemently denied allegations that he racially abused a Sheffield United ball boy at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

South Yorkshire Police are continuing to look into an allegation of racist abuse by an unnamed player following the League One match, which ended 1-1 after the visitors scored a 97th-minute equaliser.

But while admitting to "having a go" at the ball boy in question and subsequently trying to apologise, Croft denied abusive language.

The 27-year-old was quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror: "He was wasting time, I ran over to get the ball and he kicked it away.

"I have had a go at him and that didn't go down too well with the fans.

"Their fans told me to apologise so at the end of the match I ran over to him but he pushed my hand away, he didn't want to know.

"I have done nothing wrong and there was no foul or abusive language. It is all finished."

Latics boss Paul Dickov, quoted on the Daily Telegraph's website, added: "I've been told about it and anybody who knows Lee Croft knows he isn't racist. In no way, shape or form is he racist. He has told me he said something to the kid because he kicked the ball away in the heat of the moment, but for him to be accused of racism is just ridiculous.

"If he has said it, he will be dealt with, but knowing Lee and knowing the sort of kid he is there is no way. Anybody who knows Lee knows he wouldn't racially abuse anybody."

A statement for the League One club said: "The player has categorically denied the allegation. The club and his team-mates are fully supportive of him.

"The club will not be making further statements in relation to this matter."