Wisla Krakow defender Nikola Mijailovic has denied he racially abused Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy during Thursday's Uefa Cup tie.

McCarthy was left downcast despite the victory in Poland, squaring up to Mijailovic at the end of the game, stating he had been abused by his Serbian opponent.

The Football Association have asked Uefa to investigate, with Blackburn urging strong measures.

However Mijailovic, 24, has pleaded innocence, admitting he and McCarthy were involved in a running battle but denying it degenerated so far as for him to use racist language.

"Almost in the first minute he hit me very badly, it was a really inappropriate move for a football player," Mijailovic told Serbian newspaper Kurir. "When I hit back, he started to bawl, to insult me, he even started to stick his tongue out at me.

"During the game he used really numerous swear words during our duels. At the end of match I tried to ignore him, but he came closer and started to wag his hands in front of me.

"I couldn't stand all of that any more, so I've pushed him, and that was all. But, after that, I couldn't believe he was acting like a cissy. He claimed I used some racist comments. Nonsense! Both of us were swearing, but there was no racist abuse at all. Investigation will show I'm innocent, everything can be seen on tape."

Mijailovic's verdict contrasts with the version of events put forward by the Premiership team.

Rovers manager Mark Hughes said: "There is no place for abuse like this in sport or in life. There is banter and sledging, but this was a lot stronger than that."

However Mijailovic said: "When a black player hits or swears at a white opponent, it's nothing. But when you hit back in the same way, then you are called a racist. Why didn't he act like a real man and say what kind of things he said to me? I really can't understand this guy."