Spanish coach in Henry racist jibe

Spain coach Luis Aragones has caused a media storm after allegedly making racist remarks about Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.

Aragones was apparently trying to motivate Henry's Arsenal team-mate Jose Reyes during a training session ahead of Spain's World Cup qualifier against Belgium when the incident occurred.

The 66-year-old Spain coach, who is preparing his team for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Belgium in Santander, played down the incident, which was captured by a television crew. He said it had been a joke aimed at psyching up Reyes.

The Spain boss is alleged to have referred to Henry using racist language and told Reyes that he was the better player of the two. The comments from Aragones were captured by cameras from TV station Antenna 3 and broadcast in their afternoon news slot as well as being repeated, although in some cases with the insults edited out, on several sporting websites.

Reyes, however, tried to dismiss the incident, saying Aragones' words were not to be taken seriously.

"I know when he is joking and when he isn't. He was shouting and also speaking to me in a low voice, so I can tell you he was joking," said Reyes.