SOCCER/ Ron Atkinson's resignation: Former West Brom star Brendon Batson admitted he was "very disappointed" with the racist comments made by Ron Atkinson and believes he did the right thing in resigning from media commitments with ITV and The Guardian newspaper.

Atkinson (65) quit after making derogatory comments about Marcel Desailly off-air following Tuesday night's Champions League semi-final, first leg between Chelsea and Monaco.

And while Batson, who was signed twice by Atkinson, for Cambridge United and West Brom, is surprised by the comments, he insists that his former manager had no choice but to leave the spotlight.

"What he said was racist and offensive but he has done the right thing by apologising and resigning straight away," said Batson, who is now working for the FA.

A spokeswoman for the newspaper revealed the former Manchester United and Aston Villa manager had agreed to immediately end his contract with them.

It is thought Atkinson's comment was broadcast by channels in the Middle East where the live feed had continued to run after full-time.

Atkinson was full of remorse and admitted he had made an error that left him little option but to leave his job at ITV Sport.

He was also insistent that his track record in football, particularly in introducing black players while manager at West Brom, proved that he was not a racist.

"It is unbelievable really. It is nobody's fault but my own," Atkinson told BBC Radio Five Live. "When I finished watching the game, I put my microphone down and am sitting there watching some tapes of what went on for Chelsea.

"And I must admit I was talking to myself, or with myself, more than anybody, having a pop and unfortunately used a phrase which I really don't know how I have said that.

"I had the shock of my life the next day when I was told. Nobody else around me heard me say it, unfortunately the feed was still on and there was a microphone on the table which picked up what I had said. For that I apologise.

"To the people I offended, particularly Marcel Desailly, I would apologise for the comments I made. It was not an intentional comment, but it was an unfortunate one. I did not even know I had said it.

"I have worked with more black players, I would think, than any other manager in the country and I bet none of them has ever heard me say it to them." Atkinson added he would be prepared to offer Desailly a personal apology.

"I would be perfectly happy to do that," he said. You have got to have respect for somebody who has done what he has done in football."