ROVERS: Gally remains coy over race slur reports

But Gallacher is believed to be considering legal action to clear his name after he vehemently denied using an elbow as West Ham's Israeli international midfielder has claimed.

Allegations from Berkovic and West Ham manager Harry Redknapp that racist remarks were also made by Rovers players during the first game have added fuel to the fire.

With the clubs due to meet at Ewood in tomorrow night's fifth round replay, and Gallacher's appeal against suspension having failed, passions are running high.

Rovers boss Roy Hodgson declined to comment on the Berkovic claims.

"I think these things are a storm in a teacup," he said.

"And it disappoints me, as an intelligent person, to talk about it. It's just stupid nonsense."

But Hodgson was clearly upset and bitterly disappointed that the Football Association had kicked out Gallacher's case.

The FA revealed exclusively to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph that it had been decided not to pass the video of the incident to referee Peter Jones.

Hodgson, however, revealed today that the club had been looking at ways of pursuing the appeal.

He also admitted, however, that the door now seems closed and was resigned to losing Gallacher for three games.

"That is the controversy for me. We lose him for three games for an offence he did not commit and we are still seething about it," said the manager. "We still think the referee is the man who should have the say. I think he should make that decision.

"Gallacher patently did not elbow Berkovic in the face. It was a classic piece of injustice."

Hodgson, however, did not feel the row would have any effect on the game.

The manager has every sympathy with his striker and said: "The injustice had been done with the sending off and I think many people agreed with us.

"It's very sad that it has provoked such a hefty suspension and as manager of the club I am upset and disappointed about that."

Ewood chief executive John Williams refused to comment at this stage on the possibility of Gallacher taking legal action against Berkovic.

And, as far as the racist remarks allegations are concerned, he has already stated the club feel there is no case to answer.

West Ham have not complained to Ewood either officially or unofficially.

But Gallacher was today reported as saying: "I am sick. I am definitely taking steps towards clearing my name on this.

"I know I did nothing wrong and I know I am innocent. I will miss three games over this and it is scandalous.

"This is my livelihood. Our season could be badly damaged by the time I get back. It's not right.

"I was confident that the referee would see what happened, that's why I asked him, through the club, to think again.

"All I can do at the moment to put this right is go out and settle the score with West Ham in the replay.

"But after that I have to clear my name."

Gallacher is understood to have consulted PFA chief Gordon Taylor about his case. But Taylor was attending a conference today and there were no other PFA officers available for comment. There is a danger that tomorrow's game could be overshadowed by the continuing rumpus.

Hodgson, however, will want his players to concentrate on winning a game rather than fighting a battle and he hopes to have Stephane Henchoz and Chris Sutton back to help them do just that.

Henchoz missed Saturday's game at Southampton with an injury affecting his groin and inner thigh, while Sutton was struck down by a virus.

Both will need checking before the manager names his team but he was optimistic about their chances.

If Sutton plays, it will be his last partnership with Gallacher for three matches, as the Scot will begin his suspension on Saturday.

The Supporters' Association are staging a football forum with players in attendance at Ewood next Tuesday. Tickets are available, price £2 members, £3 non-members.

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