Capello denies opposing Bernabeu match

England manager Fabio Capello has said he would have no problem playing a friendly against Spain at the Bernabeu, despite the England Football Association's qualms over the racist abuse directed at the side four years ago.

The English FA's director of communications, Adrian Bevington, on Monday said a fixture against the European champions had been requested by Capello but they would refuse to play the game at Real Madrid's stadium.

Related articles

• Capello eyes maximum points
• Ferdinand praises 'business-like' Capello regime
• England's Bernabeu boycott splits opinion
• 'Tense' Gerrard fears he will lose out to Lampard
• Anatomy of a modern England fan
• Upson sets himself World Cup target

The Spanish federation was fined £50,000 after Shaun Wright-Phillips, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Jermain Defoe and Jermaine Jenas were racially abused there on England's last visit in 2004.

"It is a mistake by the FA's director of communications. I don't know how my name has appeared in this," Capello told Spanish sports daily Marca.

"Why wouldn't I want to play at the Bernabeu? It is my home. Everyone knows I love Spain. I have a house in Marbella and I love Madrid, a marvellous city where I have spent two unforgettable years."

The Italian led Real Madrid to the Primera Liga title in the 1996-7 season and again 10 years later before taking over as England boss last December.

"I don't decide where England plays, it is a decision the English FA and the Spanish Federation will have to agree on. I don't care where the game is played and obviously if it is at the Bernabeu, all the better."

On Monday, Bevington said negotiations over a friendly fixture next February were underway, adding: "From the outset, the FA, with Fabio, were clear we would not play the fixture in Madrid due to the incidents of racial abuse we faced last time."

The Spanish Federation (RFEF) responded. "Nothing has been agreed with the English FA. If we do make a deal it will be played where the Spanish Federation thinks opportune," RFEF spokesman Jorge Carretero said.

"The RFEF has received no communication from the English FA (over their refusal to play at the Bernabeu). The fans at the Bernabeu are excellent, just as they are in the whole of Spain."

The FA's director of communications, Adrian Bevington, who yesterday claimed Capello was in full agreement with the organisation's position, confirmed he had got it wrong.

"It was an oversight to include Fabio's name and say he shared the same view about it," said Bevington.

"His role is purely to select opponents."

However, as England coach, it could also be argued Capello cannot ignore the racism issue no matter what his personal view of Madrid as a city.