Monk refused to shake Clotet's hand both before and after the game, with the Spaniard also unhappy post-match at the deterioration of their relationship.

On the pitch, Alvaro Gimenez opened the scoring after 48 minutes but Kadeem Harris equalised late on to earn the hosts a point.

Asked about his comments before the game, which Clotet suggested may have been mind games, a clearly emotional Monk said: "I wasn't making accusations, I was speaking facts.

"That's what it is. I wish it wasn't true. I have to stay consistent and true to myself. Ask anyone who's ever worked with me: I'm honest and open so why shouldn't I stay true to myself?

"I had nothing to gain from that. I understand the reaction. I know those (Birmingham) fans very well, I know how passionate they are for that club.

"Of course, I could not answer it and divert from it and not get involved in it. I get that. But ask anyone I've worked with or played with or managed, that's who I am. Why shouldn't I be open and honest? I'm speaking facts."

Asked if he could elaborate on why he was angry with Clotet, Monk added: "It's difficult for me to just say that. Not because I don't want to but I want to respect those fans. I can't respect – it's a personal situation.

"It's nothing against that club, it's someone I invested a hell of a lot of time with and classed as a friend. He chose to do a different thing in the worst possible way and that cuts deep. I don't respect that – you don't respect me, so why should I respect you? That's the reason I didn't shake his hand."

The home side started strongly and Steven Fletcher wasted a golden opportunity in the 17th minute when his heavy touch cost him a clear sight of goal after excellent build-up play from Massimo Luongo and Morgan Fox.

Keiran Lee and Moses Odubajo also went close before half-time but the Owls were quickly made to pay for their profligacy after the break when Jeremie Bela's low cross from the right was turned in by Gimenez.

Harris wasted a glorious chance to equalise when he fired into the side-netting but made amends nine minutes from time after Birmingham's defence stood off and he fired low into the corner.

In a frenetic finish, Blues pair Lukas Jutkiewicz and Marc Roberts both cleared off their own line from corners but Wednesday could not find a winner.

Clotet insisted that he had always put Monk first during their time working together.

"At the end of the day I'm speaking on behalf of my club, so I have to be respectful of everything I say," he said.

"We had five fantastic years. I think he grew thanks to my experience and he helped me a lot as well.

"Everyone knows I've worked for four different clubs and they all know my values – I put the manager's interests before mine and the club's interests before mine. With Garry, all those five years together, I put his interests in front of mine.

"I have nothing to say because everything that we lived together was very positive and I hope when we speak to the media we act professionally and we should be speaking about facts.

"I wanted to ask him why he said that and I wanted my handshake – one thing I love from British football – whatever the rivalry, whatever the game or derby, manners are on top of everything. When I try to talk to him and give him my hand, I give him the hand of Birmingham City."