Emre Has Last Word

Emre: "I didn't know those words - not what they meant nor even how they are pronounced. You know, I learn most of my English in the locker-room and I never heard anyone say that.

"There is nothing to forget - there was nothing much at all, really.

"There was a bit of a tussle, but nothing bad, nothing to make me particularly angry. People swore - the usual things that everybody says - and I think I said something similar in Turkish.

"It's a relief that this is all over. I did not break down, I did not shed tears, but of course it was very tough. It would have been better if I had been fit and played through it - otherwise you have time to dwell on it.

"I am a Turk in England. We are ambassadors for our country. Just imagine how awful it would have been if I, of all people, had been found guilty of racism.

"It would have affected my career - and the careers of other Turks trying to go abroad. You know, in Turkish there is a saying: 'Sling mud and the stain will never come off'.

"Well, I know in my heart that I am not guilty, but if you have such a conviction on your record, how do you ever get away from it?"