Ukip MEP David Coburn accused the SNP of xenophobia as he denied his controversial comments about a Muslim Scottish minister were racist.
Appearing at an election debate in London, Mr Coburn said that his remarks had been a joke.
He told an audience at St Columba's Church of Scotland church: "It was a joke, and that is it, quite frankly".
He also hit out at his critics, telling SNP MP Pete Wishart, another member of the panel, that his accusations of racism came "from a party that is xenophobic against the English".
Meanwhile, UKIP leader Nigel Farage has said one of his MEP's hould not have made a "poor taste" joke comparing a Scottish minister to Islamist terrorist Abu Hamza.
Europe minister Humza Yousaf has asked officials in Brussels to investigate Ukip MEP David Coburn over the alleged "Islamophobic insult".
On BBC2's Daily Politics Mr Farage said he was not "terribly exercised" about the row and acknowledged "people do make mistakes".
The controversy began when it was reported Mr Coburn referred to the minister by saying: ''Humza Yousaf, or as I call him, Abu Hamza."
Mr Farage said: "I have not spoken to David Coburn about it. I can only guess he is either saying he is a terrorist or he is telling a joke in poor taste. I suspect it's the latter, he is telling a joke in poor taste."
He added: "People do make mistakes and I don't think David Coburn should have done that. But am I going to get terribly exercised over it? No."
Mr Yousaf has written to European Parliament president Martin Schulz calling for Mr Coburn's remarks to be investigated and for disciplinary action to be taken as appropriate.
Scotland's five other MEPs from across the political spectrum have also written to Mr Schulz backing Mr Yousaf's call for an investigation.
Mr Yousaf said: "The abhorrent remarks made by David Coburn were an absolute disgrace that would not be acceptable for any individual to make, let alone an elected member of the European Parliament.
"The European Union rightly prides itself on its promotion of tolerance and inclusion - something David Coburn's remarks are completely at odds with.
"David Coburn's Islamophobic insult has caused serious offence and anger to the Muslim community in Scotland, the UK and further afield. It is not acceptable and action must be taken.
"Bigotry of the kind displayed by David Coburn should not be tolerated and I hope that the European Parliament will send out a strong message by taking action against him."
ends
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