Leigh Robinson, pictured in 1999, rejected the claim

The sport's governing body imposed the ban after investigating a complaint that coach Leigh Robinson verbally racially abused a black player.

Mr Robinson, 37, said his words had been misinterpreted and said he was shocked by the penalty.

Raiders chairman Bob Widdecombe supported the ban.

I just find it astonishing that they can make such a ruling on one man's word against another Leigh Robinson

He said: "Plymouth Raiders do not condone any breach of that policy or any form of discrimination."

The incident occurred during a match against Marjon Cannons last October.

Both clubs are in National Division Two and Cannons refused to play Raiders II, the Plymouth Raiders' second team, until the complaint was fully dealt with.

The original penalty by England Basketball was reduced by six months on appeal, but Mr Robinson said he had been "mistreated".

'Strong message'

He told BBC News: "I am completely in shock.

"Basketball is something I care for so much and it has been taken away from me.

"I believe that what was said was misinterpreted.

"I just find it astonishing that they can make such a ruling on one man's word against another."

He added: "I have many black friends and every one of them is astounded with the result."

Mr Robinson, who has been a basketball coach and player in England and the US since 1992, said he was "disgusted" by the length of the ban.

He said: "It was reduced by six months on appeal, but that was like putting the knife in and twisting it."

A spokesman for England Basketball said: "Following a complaint relating to verbal and racial abuse the Plymouth Raiders II coach has been suspended from any basketball activities.

"England Basketball takes eradicating racism very seriously."

A Cannons spokesman said: "We are relieved that this process has sent out an extremely serious and strong message, that racism of any kind is totally unacceptable, abhorrent and will not be tolerated in sport."

David Clift has now been appointed as the coach of Raiders II.