Big Ron's racism appeal

Ron Atkinson today urged Spain coach Luis Aragones to write a letter of apology to Thierry Henry for his racially disparaging remark about the France striker.

The former television pundit was forced to resign from his job with ITV Sport in April amid a storm of controversy for racist remarks he made about then Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly.

Now he has stepped into the row over Aragones, who is under pressure to quit after TV microphones picked up comments he made about Arsenal star Henry.

Aragones told Jose Antonio Reyes in training that he was better than "that black shit", a reference to the forward's Arsenal team-mate.

"I would advise Luis to write a letter to Henry apologising to him and making it clear that he did not want to offend him," Atkinson told Spanish sports daily Marca.

"He should make it clear that it was a joke and that he was saying it to try to motivate a player. But I think that Luis has made it clear why it all happened. He's a very experienced coach and did not mean it seriously."

Aragones today apologised for his remarks. He said: "I want to clarify that I never intended to offend anyone and for that reason I have a very easy conscience."