• Champions League

Busquets cleared to play in Champions League final

ESPN staff
May 16, 2011
Sergio Busquets will play in the Champions League final © Getty Images
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Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has been cleared to play in the Champions League final after UEFA dismissed racism charges levelled against him by Real Madrid.

Madrid released footage on their in-house TV channel of Busquets shouting in the direction of Marcelo during the 2-0 win for the Catalans in the Champions League semi-final, which was captioned with the words "mono, mono" ("monkey, monkey").

However, UEFA has opted not to hit the Spain international with a ban that would have seen him miss out on the Champions League final with Manchester United on May 28.

A statement on Barcelona's official website confirmed on Monday: "Sergio Busquets will play the final of the Champions League. UEFA dismissed the claims of Real Madrid."

Earlier this week, Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola publicly addressed the issue and made a strong statement of support for Busquets, saying: "All I would say is that I have known Sergio for a long time and if he tells me something I believe him because I know him."

Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka unequivocally condemned the player, claiming: "My view is the same as that which was expressed in the statement issued by the club and everyone saw what he did."

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