Leeds manager Terry Venables hopes to draw a line under the bitter row between Middlesbrough's George Boateng and Leeds' Nick Barmby of racism.

Boateng is understood to have initially accused Barmby of making racist comments "against his brethren and his wife" following Saturday's ill-tempered 2-2 draw.

Barmby quickly and vehemently refuted Boateng's allegation by calling a press conference on Monday, stating he had been left "devastated" by such an accusation.

Boateng's agent, Barry Silkman, added fuel to the fire by accusing Barmby of blowing the situation out of all proportion in calling the press conference.

But Boateng, in a statement issued through his club, has attempted to defuse the race row which Venables hopes is now an end to the sorry saga.

The statement read: "Following weekend press reports, Monday's Leeds United press conference and intense media speculation, George Boateng wishes to clarify a number of matters which have been inaccurately reported and debated in the media.

"First of all, 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.

"Secondly, 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."

The statement, though, falls short of the public apology both Barmby and Venables were demanding, although the Leeds boss is happy with the wording as it was initially cleared by the Elland Road club.

"They said they would be prepared to fax us, which they sent over and we were okay with it," stated Venables.

"It's one of those things where Nick was unfortunate to be put in the position he was in the first place. No-one wants it.

"But they (Middlesbrough) have come forward and said what they've said and that covers it. As far as I'm concerned the situation is closed."

The Football Association, though, have yet to have their say for they are currently conducting an investigation into the unsavoury events which unfolded once referee Rob Styles blew his final whistle.

Following a face-to-face confrontation between Boateng and Barmby, the Dutchman is then seen spitting at the feet of the Leeds midfielder and Jonathan Woodgate, sparking a 12-man scuffle as players from both sides pushed and jostled one another.

It was a feud, though, which continued in the tunnel where Barmby alleges he was scratched across his face by Boateng, with the 28-year-old sporting two gashes on his right cheek.

The matter is now in the hands of the FA and while Boateng is likely to be cleared of spitting, he could yet be charged with manhandling assistant referee Chris Bassindale as he made a further attempt to confront Barmby.