Jeremy Clarkson denies racism after naming black dog 'Didier Dogba'

Didier Dogba was described by Clarkson as an "amazingly brilliant" dog. Credit: Twitter/@JeremyClarkson

Jeremy Clarkson faced accusations of racism from Twitter users after he named his new pet - a small black dog - 'Didier Dogba' after the former Chelsea footballer Didier Drogba.

The Top Gear presenter's tweet announcing the canine christening sparked a flurry of responses suggesting the moniker was "racist" because both Didiers are black.

It prompted Clarkson to quickly post another tweet asking what was problematic about the naming of his "amazingly brilliant dog".

Jeremy Clarkson is a fan of dogs and Chelsea Football Club. Credit: PA

It is not the first time Clarkson's choice of words have invited complaints.

Last month, he was criticised for using the word "slope" - an alleged racist term to describe an Asian person - on Top Gear, while in 2011 he labelled Mexicans "lazy and flatulent" on the hit BBC show.

Ivorian striker Didier Drogba left Chelsea in 2012. Credit: PA

Clarkson has described himself as a fan of Chelsea, for whom Drogba scored 157 goals in a glittering eight-year career in west London.