Olivier Azam called for a public apology

Andrew had been threatened with legal action over the comments but a Rugby Football Union investigation at the beginning of April found there was insufficient evidence to back up his claims.

Despite declaring after the match that his own players had heard Azam's comments, Andrew and the Newcastle delegation were unable to offer any evidence to back up the claim.

Taione himself stating that Azam had abused him "no more than once".

Legal threat

The RFU was also informed that no supporter had been ejected from the ground, with just one being spoken to by a steward.

Azam called for a public apology to stave off his own legal threat and when that was not forthcoming, the Gloucester Rugby Supporters Association instigated legal proceedings.

However, with a play-off meeting looming next week, Andrew has opted to withdraw his accusations.

"Although the remarks were made in good faith based on statements made to Rob Andrew before the press conference, he now accepts that there was insufficient evidence to justify the remarks," a joint Gloucester-Newcastle statement said.

Taione was sent off in the game v Gloucester

"With regard to Gloucester supporters, Rob Andrew accepts that only one Gloucester supporter made comments of an inappropriate nature.

"With regard to Olivier Azam, Rob Andrew accepts that it was never the case that Olivier Azam was alleged by Epi Taione to have made more than one racist remark.

"Mr Andrew apologises to Olivier Azam and to Gloucester supporters for any offence caused to them by these comments."

GRSA chairman Bob Rumble said that the club, and the town could put the accusations behind them.

It is also believed that Andrew has agreed to meet all the GRSA's legal fees.