The English FA has issued an unreserved apology to Chelsea female football player Eniola Aluko after new evidence showed that Ex England’s women’s coach, Mark Sampson was “discriminatory to her on the grounds of race”.
According to Katharine Newton, an independent barrister who carried out findings about the matter, Sampson made unacceptable “ill-judged attempts at humour” on two occasions, to Eniola Aluko and Drew Spence. Despite the findings, Katharine Newton said she that she’s not convinced he is a racist and stated that Aluko was not subjected to “a course of bullying”. Katharine Newton’s initial report had cleared Sampson of any wrong doings, but the new evidence led to the case been re-investigated.
The Chelsea striker reacted to the new report saying: “My emotion is just relief as it’s been a long process getting to this point. I’m not architect or engineer of this situation. I’ve been put in it. I’m a human being and I feel relieved. It suggests it was kind of all worth it going through the trouble and having it vindicated.” Eniola Aluko said she had felt “isolated” during the course of the investigation. “I didn’t want it to be as adversarial as it became – the FA versus Aluko if you like. I had a very good relationship with the FA up until two years ago. That disappointments me.”
A statementb issued by FA chief executive Martin Glenn said: “Our ambition has always been to find the truth and take swift and appropriate action if needed. It was our decision to have the original, second, and final investigation to ensure that due diligence was taken. It is regrettable that Eniola did not participate in the first external investigation as this would have enabled Katharine Newton to conduct and complete her investigation sooner.” The FA sacked Sampson as England women’s coach in September after evidence of his “inappropriate and unacceptable” behaviour with female players were uncovered. However, Sampson, 34, maintained that his conscience was clear, and denied being a racist.Photo Credit: Getty
