Former England boss Mark Sampson ‘apologises unreservedly’ to Eni Aluko and Drew Spence after bullying and racism accusations

Former England boss Mark Sampson ‘apologises unreservedly’ to Eni Aluko and Drew Spence after bullying and racism accusations
Former England Women manager Mark Sampson has issued an ‘unreserved’ apology to Eni Aluko and Drew Spence as he spoke for the first time since his sacking by the Football Association.The 36-year-old was dismissed in September 2017 following the emergence of “inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour” in his previous role as manager at Bristol Academy.3

Sampson was accused of racism by Aluko (left)

He had also been the focus of bullying and racism claims, first made by Aluko, and then Spence.The FA said the allegations were investigated, and Sampson was cleared of any wrongdoing.But Sampson, who reached a financial settlement with the FA over his dismissal earlier this month, said he should have handled the claims differently.Speaking to The Times, he said: “I answered based on my recollections and what I felt was true to my character and the way I use language.3

The England players caused controversy when they celebrated with Sampson during a game with Russia

“I believed strongly that the way the team worked, if I had said something that offended anyone it would have been brought up at the time.“I was wrong. Ultimately, two players were offended by language I used. For that I apologise to Drew and Eni unreservedly.“I certainly should have played a much more active role to ensure they [the complaints] were handled more respectfully. That’s a big regret I will always have.”Sampson was sacked one day after England beat Russia 6-0 following a previous safeguarding investigation into his time at Bristol, where he had a six-month relationship with a player aged over 18.3

Aluko is now playing for Juventus out in Italy

“I wasn’t as mature as I should have been during my time at Bristol,” said Sampson.“My behaviour was unprofessional, which I acknowledged. I crossed a professional boundary. I shouldn’t have, and I fully recognised that.”Sampson also revealed he has spent six weeks on a Kick It Out educational course, but admitted the investigations into his behaviour and subsequent dismissal have taken their toll.He added: “When an investigation like that is played out so publicly, the stress, the pressure, it was the most difficult time of my life.“Not a night or day has gone by where it hasn’t dominated my thoughts, and that will continue for a long time.”

---

Leicester City vs Newcastle United Premier League Preview, Betting Tips, Team News & Predictions - 12/04/2019 1:25 am 12 Apr 2019 MI vs RR - Mumbai Indians v Rajasthan Royals IPL 2019 Preview, Prediction, Live Streaming, Latest Odds, Pitch Conditions, Weather Report 13/04/2019

---

The latest football news, live scores, results, rumours, transfers, fixtures, tables and player profiles from around the world, including UEFA Champions League.

---

Real Madrid are likely to be relying on the Champions League again for another trophy this season but there was room for encouragement against Barcelona on Wednesday beyond their resounding defeat.
Champions League: Real Madrid vs Ajax; analysis, reaction

---

Sarri 'not sure' if he still has backing of Chelsea players after poor run of results The Blues have now lost three of their last five games after suffering defeat to Man United in the FA Cup.
Bridge 'very surprised' Sarri is still at Chelsea despite

---

Atletico Madrid: Saúl being tempted by Manchester City is the tip of the iceberg as Diego Simeone faces his toughest summer Welcome to Reddit, the front page of the internet.
Simeone will be fined 20k € by UEFA for his celebration

---

Chelsea fans spoken to by police after reports of anti-Semitic chanting on train after Brighton win This follows other alleged incidents of racism and antisemitism to blight the club during the
Chelsea fans spoken to by police after reports of anti

---

Liverpool supporters hail Fabinho after brilliant Brighton display - 'He's better than Dejan Lovren and it isn't even debatable' Fabinho is better at CB than lovren, not even debatable
~ Liverpool supporters hail Fabinho after brilliant Brighton

---

A report claims that Tottenham Hotspur defender Kieran Trippier is a £20m target for fellow Premier League side Everton. both Trippier and Serge Aurier will be allowed to Crystal Palace's
Spurs news: Tottenham should make a move for Aaron Wan-Bissaka

---

Celtic news: Neil Lennon confirmed as manager of Scottish

---

David de Gea (Manchester United) and no player in the Premier League has made more interceptions. He is a rock, and has finally shown the levels of consistency that Hornets fans have craved
Summer transfer window: club-by-club guide for the Premier

---

It should be a tasty match in Croydon and you can catch all the action on talkSPORT. Don't miss Leicester v Fulham live on talkSPORT: Free stream and full coverage of 3pm clash Game on Southampton vs Tottenham team news and line-ups: Is Dele Alli fit? happy Anderson wants long Hammers stay and to become club legend like Di Canio FFP probe
Free stream, full commentary and team news for Premier League

---