Keita explains why he snubbed Pepe's handshake

Keita explains why he snubbed Pepe's handshake

Roma midfielder Seydou Keita has revealed the reasons behind the drama between him and Pepe in Tuesday night's friendly between the Italians and Real Madrid.

After Keita refused to shake the Portugese international's hand before the match, he later claimed he was spat on by the defender.

The alleged spitting incident came after the Malian midfielder had appeared to throw a bottle of water in the direction of Pepe.

It sparked an mini brawl between both sides.

Keita has since taken to Twitter to explain that the reason for snubbing Pepe lies in the days when he used to play for Barcelona.

“One: He calls me a monkey during Madrid-Barca," he wrote. 

"Two: I did not shake his hand. Three: He spits on me after I throw a bottle. 

"I am sorry for my attitude.”

Roma eventually won the match 1-0, thanks to a second half goal from Francesco Totti, meaning that Real Madrid cannot retain the International Champions Cup.