Former Crawley Town captain John Mackie has publicly apologised for racially abusing Carl Asaba.

The incident took place during Reading's First Division clash with Sheffield United on Saturday.

Mackie, who made his name at Crawley before joining Reading via Sutton, has also voluntarily donated two weeks' wages to the Kick Racism Out of Football campaign.

He said: "I would like to apologise for the comment I made to Carl after the game which I now appreciate may have caused racial offence.

"I made the comment while I was still pumped up and after a tussle with Carl.

"I deeply regret making that comment and know that I've let myself, my team-mates and Reading Football Club down.

"I am not a racist. I have many friends from different ethnic backgrounds, both at Reading Football Club and elsewhere.

"I wish I could turn back the clock, but I cannot and all I can do is unreservedly apologise to Carl Asaba and everyone else. I can assure you all that I will never again make such a comment."

Reading boss Alan Pardew said: "It's unfortunate that Sheffield United went public before we had a chance to do that.

"We are not reacting to the fact that Sheffield United are about to complain. I know Carl personally and I have spoken to him and he understands that these things happen."

It is understood that Asaba himself did not wish to pursue the matter but that Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock and some of his players did.