Sergio Garcia could be staring at a hefty fine and or a suspension despite apologising for a racist remark directed at Tiger Woods during a European Tour gala dinner in London on Tuesday night.

Garcia joined all dozen members of last year’s victorious European Ryder Cup winning team, along with most other Tour members, at the now annual Players Award dinner.

The Spaniard had been invited onto the stage, where he was interviewed by the Golf Channel’s, Steve Sands.

It was hours after Garcia had been in attendance at the Media Centre at the Wentworth Club and venue for this week’s flagship BMW PGA Championship.

Sergio Garcia on stage last night during the European Tour Players Dinner.

Garcia indicated he wanted to ‘move on’ following an incident involving he and Woods during last fortnight’s Players Championship.

However when Sands asked Garcia if he would have the 14-time Major winner around for dinner during the up-coming US Open, Garcia shocked Tour officials and guests responding:  “We will have him around every night. We will serve fried chicken.”

Garcia’s remarks immediately rekindled remarks made by American Fuzzy Zoeller immediately at Woods had the 1997 Masters, and his first Major by an amazing 12 shots.

Zoeller was asked what he thought Woods might select for the traditional new champions dinner and he said:  “You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not to serve fried chicken next year.  Got it? Or collard greens or whatever they serve’.

Zoeller immediately apologised but the remarks cost the fellow Augusta National champion a number of lucrative contracts.

Garcia left the dinner, and later issued a statement through the European Tour, saying: “I apologise for any offence that may have been caused by my comment on stage during The European Tour Players’ Awards dinner. I answered a question that was clearly made towards me as a joke with a silly remark, but in no way was the comment meant in a racist manner.”

European Tour CEO, George O’Grady has been approached for comment but was unavailable.