My remarks had no racial overtones: Schoeman

In the eye of storm for describing crowd as "monkeys", South African swimmer Roland Schoeman said his remarks did not have racial overtones.

Having won the silver medal in the men's 50m freestyle, the former Olympic gold medalist said in South Africa they call hooligan, a monkey.

"I'm disappointed in the way the Australian media portrayed what I said. It wasn't meant to be a racist remark -- in South Africa when someone calls you a monkey they mean hooligan."

"The comment was aimed at only one individual who was acting like a hooligan," he said.

"I know Australia see it as hooligan as well, so I don't know why it was portrayed that way," he added.

On his performance, he said: "Tonight I'm just mentally in the right frame of mind... it's a good experience."

The South African team management has cleared him of any breach of conduct and stood behind the swimmer.

"Given the media enquiries there definitely has been a misinterpretation of what he said," South African chef de mission, Patience Shikwambana said in a statement, according to a South African daily.

In the 50m freestyle semis yesterday, the South African and another swimmer left the blocks early, but both were allowed to restart the race as Schoeman made the final being fifth fastest.

He finished second in the final behind Canada's Brent Hayden.

"It's unacceptable to be at a professional event like this and have people going on like monkeys," Schoeman had said.