GEORGE Boateng was last night left as the only player facing disciplinary action for his involvement in the 'Rumble at the Riverside' after the Middlesbrough midfielder cleared Nick Barmby of racism.

While Boateng is almost certain to be charged with "threatening behaviour and physical intimidation" for manhandling assistant referee Chris Bassindale, Barmby has been declared innocent after initially having to deny he had racially abused the Dutchman.

Boateng could also face a misconduct rap for spitting in the direction of Leeds United duo Barmby and Jonathan Woodgate, and the Football Association is considering taking action over the melee that followed.

But for the time being, Barmby's reputation is intact after Boateng confirmed he had not been the victim of racist remarks from the former England international.

A Middlesbrough statement issued on Boateng's behalf said: "While there was clearly an altercation between George and Nick Barmby at the end of Saturday's game, and words were exchanged in the heat of the moment, George wishes to make clear that he has never accused Nick of making racist remarks as he knows this to be untrue.

"George wants to make clear that he wanted to put their altercation behind them after the game and made attempts to see Nick to do so. Leeds United felt the matter was closed and that no meeting was necessary.

"However, George was upset that some very derogatory comments were made to him at the end of the game. His reaction was a result of those remarks that were made to him."

If Boateng were to be found guilty of attacking Bassindale, who tried to prevent the £5m midfielder from continuing his verbal battle with Leeds players, he would face a minimum 12-game ban under FA guidelines.

Although the Middlesbrough statement fell short of the apology that Leeds had been demanding, Terry Venables last night welcomed news that Barmby - who on Monday vehemently denied making racist comments - was in the clear.

Elland Road manager Venables said: "I'm happy that Nick has been exonerated. He's all right now and he feels a lot better. We spoke to Middlesbrough before they released the statement and we knew what was coming out, and we were satisfied with that."

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