Former Manchester United defender Paul McGrath has admitted that he is 'saddened' by Liverpool defender Glen Johnson for accusing the 52-year-old of singling him out because of his colour.

The Liverpool full-back hit out against the ex-Aston Villa player for criticising Johnson for wearing a T-shirt supporting Luis Suarez following the race row with United defender Patrice Evra.

Johnson told the Daily Mail: "The McGrath thing ... that's actually racist. Saying what he said is racist. He is only saying that to me because I was the only black lad wearing the T-shirt. He's targeting me because of my colour."

McGrath later tweeted: "It saddens me that Glen Johnson has called me a racist, but he is entitled to his opinion."

Johnson also accused Evra of not offering his hand before Suarez snubbed the handshake ahead of Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to the Red Devils last month.