Roeder apologised, but insists it was not for racist comment

Roeder admits going into the Everton dressing room at the end of Newcastle's 3-0 defeat to apologise for an incident involving the Turkish midfielder.

But he said:"At no time did I make any apology for racist comments because Emre had told me what he had said.

"And while not being particularly pleasant, it was not racist."

I was doing the decent thing because I am sensitive to the image of the sport Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder

Roeder added: "I strongly deny the allegations that I was involved in a racist cover-up in relation to events that occurred during our match with Everton.

"At the conclusion of the match, I went into the opposition dressing room to apologise for what had been an ugly incident on the pitch.

"I was doing the decent thing because I am sensitive to the image of the sport."

The FA has since charged Emre with "using racially aggravated abusive and/or insulting words" following the incident, which occurred after Newcastle had been awarded a penalty.

Emre became involved in angry exchanges with Everton trio Tim Howard, Joleon Lescott and Joseph Yobo, with players from both sides trying to calm frayed tempers.

Referee Dermot Gallagher consulted his assistant, but having not heard what was said he spoke to the former Inter Milan star, but took no further action.

He later reported to the FA that he had been informed of the allegations and an investigation was launched.

Everton were asked for their observations and although Roeder later revealed he believed the matter was closed, the midfielder was then charged.

He has until 29 January to respond and has indicated that he will strongly deny the charge.

Roeder has promised the club's support in his fight to clear his name while voicing his own distaste for racism.

Newcastle United captain Scott Parker

Jersey-based Belgravia said that despite protracted negotiations with the club, it had been "unable to agree a price and transaction structure".

It added that it felt its planned offer would have been in the best interests of the club and its supporters.

It is the second firm to end takeover interest in Newcastle this year, after the Polygon hedge fund also pulled out.

Future interest

However, Belgravia said it did not rule out resurrecting its interest in Newcastle in the future if circumstances changed.

It said it could return with a fresh offer if a recommendation from the Newcastle board was forthcoming, or if a third party announced an offer.

US firm Polygon and its St James' Park Group consortium has also said it could return to make an offer or possible offer for Newcastle if circumstances change.

Belgravia is a private company with interests including construction, hospitality, aviation and sports marketing.

The majority shareholder at Newcastle United is Sir John Hall who, with his son, owns more than 40% of the club.

The other major shareholder is Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd, who owns a 28% stake in the football club.

In October 2006, Newcastle United announced a £12m financial loss for the year after heavy investment in players and a fall in revenues as a result of its failure to qualify for Europe.