Samuel Umtiti was reportedly racially abused by Espanyol forward Sergio Garcia during Barcelona's 1-1 draw in the local derby between the two teams on Sunday.

Garcia and Umtiti had several intense duels during the match, with the Spaniard producing a studs-up tackle on his counterpart and diving near him in the penalty area later in the game.

During the game, Garcia allegedly called Umtiti a "black s--t," according to sources at Barcelona.

This resulted in a confrontation between the two players that continued in the tunnel after the match and required them to be separated by Barca captain Gerard Pique.

Garcia has since taken to his Instagram to deny the accusations, stating, "In no way was my behaviour racist. You all know my wife is an ethnic gypsy and I grew up in a neighbourhood with all the races in the world.

"My brother-in-law [former Espanyol forward and current Cologne player Jhon Cordoba], with whom I have a strong friendship, is also African-American.

"In the tension of the match, many things are said which should remain on the pitch."