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Supported by United boss Terry Venables, Barmby told a packed press conference at Leeds' Thorp Arch training centre that the reaction of Boateng had come as a massive shock and that he wanted to put the record straight.
Barmby said: "I'm devastated by what I've seen and read in the papers today.
"Words were exchanged between me and George Boateng on Saturday, but that's what goes on on a football pitch.
"I'm devastated by this for me, my family and everyone who knows me as they all know that I haven't a racism bone in my body.
"I don't know where he's coming from and I think it's disgusting that I'm here now seemingly on trial to defend myself when a guy turns rounds and does what you all saw he did on Saturday.
"If I racially abused a bloke surely I should be the one apologising not the other way round.
"I was prepared to let the whole thing go but after reading the papers today I can't and I have to respond. I'm devastated and disgusted by the whole thing.
"I have white friends, black friends and I just cannot accept why I have to be here defending myself
"It looks like he's trying to find a get out clause for his actions. You saw what he did."
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