Joe Jordan: Gattuso 'racism' claims are pathetic

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The Italian grabbed Jordan by the throat during Spurs' 1-0 Champions League last-16 first-leg win and then headbutted the 59-year-old after the final whistle.

The player's agent, Claudio Pasqualin, laid the blame for the exchange with Jordan, saying the Scot had 'seriously provoked' Gattuso.

"Jordan, after having continually targeted him verbally, insulted him with a low phrase which was 'f***ing Italian b***ard'", Pasqualin said. "For somebody like Rino, who has a strong sense of belonging to Italy, I believe that this was the most cowardly and undignified of the insults."

However, Jordan, who enjoyed a spell with Milan in the 1980s, hit back and dismissed the claims.

"To come up with something like that is pathetic. It is completely and utterly untrue", Jordan told the Daily Mail.

"He will have to address his conduct overall, and account for himself to UEFA, but the allegation he has made is something else. I'm not having that, because Italy has played an important part in my life and will continue to.

"I love Italy and have always had an affinity with the people. Does that sound like someone who would come out with the sort of line Gattuso has got his agent to say? I just find it pathetic on his part."

Gattuso could face a 10-match European ban after UEFA charged him with gross unsporting conduct following the clash.