Cheltenham manager Martin Allen has defended himself against what he describes as "false and grossly untrue allegations" that have seen him placed on gardening leave by the Coca-Cola League Two club.

A bouncer at a Cheltenham nightclub alleged he was racially abused by Allen, and Gloucestershire Police have confirmed they are to investigate the incident.

Cheltenham have placed assistant manager John Schofield in temporary charge of team affairs but Allen has vowed to clear his name.

A statement released by Allen via the League Managers Association website, www.leaguemanagers.com, read: "A number of false and grossly untrue allegations have recently been made about me in relation to an alleged incident outside a nightclub a few weeks ago, including the completely untrue allegation that I made a racial remark.

"I wish to confirm that these allegations are untrue and deeply hurtful to me and I will now be taking appropriate steps to clear my name.

"In the meantime I will be making no further comment."