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.”

---

Daily Star 1 week ago: Transfer news and football gossip: Bayern Munich want Liverpool boss Klopp, Arsenal star Aubameyang linked with China switch, Chelsea hamper Hazard move talkSPORT.com rounds up all the latest transfer news and football gossip from Tuesday's papers and online… Real Madrid will face competition from Manchester
Bayern Munich vs. Liverpool Live Stream, TV Channel: How to

---

Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba were the stars of the show once again as they led the way in Manchester United's 4-1 win over Bournemouth, securing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a third successive win since
Newcastle United 0-2 Manchester United - Premier League 2018

---

West Ham are nearing the signing of Villarreal playmaker Pablo Fornals, according to reports. According to Spanish outlet AS, the Hammers have moved for Fornals and are set to 'finalise' his signing for around £22million (€25m).
West Ham transfer news: Hammers close to completing £

---

TOTTENHAM have denied that their new ground will be unveiled as "The Nike Stadium". Spurs were set to move into their new £1billion home at the beginning of the season, but constant delays have
Tottenham deny new ground will be called Nike Stadium amid

---

Transfer news and football gossip: Man United target Barcelona maestro, star striker told to join Liverpool, Dybala STAYING at Juventus Plus, Latest on Lionel Messi's Barca future
Man United target Barcelona maestro, star striker told to
sportsalert.org/2019/02/14/man-united-target-barcelona-maestro-star-striker-told-to-join-liverpool-dybala-staying-at-juventus/
Man United target Barcelona maestro, star striker told to join Liverpool, Dybala STAYING at Juventus. February 14, 2019 by admin 0 Comments. Football.
Transfer news and football gossip: Man United target

---

Arsenal are looking at rising Bundesliga star Kai Havertz as a potential replacement for Gunners outcast Mesut Ozil, reports claim. Ozil has been a bit-part player since the arrival of Unai Emery and does not appear to feature in the manager's long-term plans.
Arsenal transfer news: Gunners lining up Kai Havertz as

---

- Over 500,000 fans voted to pick Lionel Messi's goal against Getafe as the best in the club's history. Lionel Messi's goal against Getafe in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey 2006/07 season has been voted by fans as the best goal so far in the history of Spanish champions Barcelona.
Video: Lionel Messi's Getafe goal voted Barcelona's best ever

---

Manchester United news: Nemanja Matic and Romelu Lukaku withdraw from national squads while Marcus Rashford is doubtful for England opener. Marcus Rashford is a doubt for England's opener
~ Manchester United news: Nemanja Matic and Romelu Lukaku

---

Manchester United team news: Alexis Sanchez backed to show true class by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ahead of Newcastle comeback Written by: fpnews Posted on: January 1, 2019 Alexis Sanchez is in line to make his first appearance for Manchester United in five weeks after being named in the squad to face Newcastle United on Wednesday.
Manchester United's Alexis Sanchez backed by Andy Cole to

---

Izzy Christiansen has not been included in Phil Neville's England squad for this summer's Women's World Cup in France. The Lyon midfielder suffered a fractured fibula and ankle ligament damage in

---

Man Utd team-mates 'openly joking about Pogba transfer' as Real Madrid chase wantaway World Cup winner The France international was already involved in a bust-up with his team-mates following
Manchester United Players 'Openly Joking' About Paul Pogba's

---

Zlatan Ibrahimovic given two-match violent conduct ban for grabbing goalkeeper by the neck The Swede has also been fined for his actions from last week's defeat by New York City FC By talkSPORT
Zlatan Ibrahimovic given two-match violent conduct ban for

---