John Lydon has accused Bloc Party's Kele Okereke of “jealousy” after the singer claimed he was victim to an “unprovoked racial attack” by a group of individuals associated to the Sex Pistols frontman.

Okereke's claims this morning related to an altercation that was said to have taken place at last weekend's Summercase Festival in Spain.

Okereke said he was left with facial injuries, including severe bruising, following a scuffle which he claimed began after he asked Lydon if he would consider reforming Public Image Ltd.

Lydon's “entourage responded with a racist tirade including the statement, 'Your problem is your black attitude',” Okereke said.

In a statement responding to the claims, Lydon said he felt “very sorry for a man who needs to lie about what was a perfect evening.”

"After the show John Rotten and management remained behind to sign autographs, which we did for four solid hours without incident and had a great time talking to other Spanish bands. This seems to have sparked jealousy in certain bands.

"The trouble was brought to us, resulting in those causing the trouble being physically removed by festival security."

The Sex Pistols are currently touring to mark their 30th anniversary, during which time Lydon said the band have attracted an audience that is “multi-varied, all ages, all races, creeds and colours.”

"When you are at a festival with bands who are jealous fools, lies and confusion usually follow. If they need publicity so badly this is the allegation universe they run into,” he added.

Lydon said Okereke should “grow up and learn to be a true man.

“When you have achieved as much as I have, come back and talk to me. It's a shame that the wonderful world of the media is riddled with nonsense like this."

(by Jason Gregory)