Leyton Orient gives new signing “a second chance” after his ban for racial abuse

Leyton Orient gives their new signing Jack Simpson “a second chance” after his ban for racial abuse towards a Cardiff City player.

Jack Simpson left the Bluebirds last summer after being banned for racist abuse of a team-mate on a club pre-season trip.

The O’s has expressed their belief that defender Jack Simpson, 27, is deserving of a second opportunity, as they have recently signed him on a temporary contract.

Simpson has since apologised to his Cardiff team-mate after the incident on tour but was banned for six matches and fined £8,000 by the Football Association.

He was also told to undergo “face-to-face education” after breaching FA rule E3 for misconduct, with his racist abuse also deemed an “aggravated breach” of the governing body’s rules.

CLUB STATEMENT:

Leyton Orient have completed the signing of defender Jack Simpson on an initial short-term contract until the end of the 2023/24 season.

The 27-year-old joins the O’s on a free transfer with a view to extending his deal in the summer.

Simpson started his career at AFC Bournemouth, whom he represented 11 times in the Premier League, before moving to Glasgow Rangers in 2021 where he won the Scottish Premiership.

He joined Cardiff City in August 2022 and left the Bluebirds by mutual consent 12 months later after being charged with misconduct by the FA*.

Simpson said: “I’m very grateful to Leyton Orient for giving me the opportunity to rebuild my career. I made a mistake last year, one that I only have myself to blame for and one that I will always regret.

“I stand against racism in all forms and that incident does not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am extremely sorry for what happened and I hope that I can now put this behind me and concentrate on helping Leyton Orient.”

Head Coach Richie Wellens said: “Jack has trained with us for the last two weeks as we felt it was important for us to assess his personality and his ability. He has been very open with me about the incident that led to him leaving Cardiff and he is very remorseful about it.

“I believe that I’m a good judge of character and I want to make it clear that we would not be signing Jack if I had doubts about him as a person.

“On the pitch, he is a good defender with a lot of qualities that will help us to keep progressing.”

Chairman Nigel Travis said: “The board and I discussed the possibility of us signing Jack and we have decided that he deserves his second chance.

“I have full trust in Richie’s judgement of Jack’s character and, having spoken to him on Sunday, I know that Jack has taken responsibility for his actions last year and is also very willing to offer his support to our Community Trust whilst he is at the club.

“I wish to reiterate that there is no place for racism or any kind of discrimination at our football club. Leyton is one of the most multi-cultural parts of London, which we are very proud of, and I sincerely hope that all visitors to Gaughan Group Stadium feel welcome whenever they come to support us.”

*Simpson allegedly used language towards a teammate that was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper, contrary to FA Rule E3.1. It was further alleged that that this language constitutes an “aggravated breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to race and/or colour.

Twitter users reacted as Leyton Orient gives their new signing “a second chance” after his ban for racial abuse…

@OrientFanTV: If it’s ok by Richie, it’s ok by me. Welcome to the mighty o’s Jack 👍

@TheNinianStand:
Hope he does his ACL
From all of Cardiff city

@Jameslee_lofc: He made a mistake. His owned up to it. Time to move on. Welcome to the club …. COYOS !

@SloperBlues: Signing racists, crazy

@shepkennedy: Excellent bit of business by Lingy & the club. Welcome Jack Simpson a 27yr old PL player signing for us unheard of. He made a mistake & has paid the price. Beccles & the rest if the black players have given him a 2nd chance. WELCOME JACK SIMPSON. Up The Os

@connordavies612: Employed a racist well done lads

@DanAuton2590: I don’t see any upside to this, first and foremost it’s a terrible look, awful PR exercise and goes against our “Zero tolerance to racism” message, add to that the fact he can’t even play for the next who knows how many games anyway and it’s just totally counterproductive #lofc

@OlyDave96: Grimsby Town refused to offer him a contract because of exactly this…. i guess different clubs have different morals… guessing you just don’t have any at all…

@popeycymru: “View to extending” is that if he can keep his racist comments to himself??

@NathLewis06: no morals at all, employing a racist 😬

@PaulRavens39: Nope. Not for me. Really poor from the club to sign him.

@EngineerTawanda: He made a mistake and owned up to it. That should not be the end of his life, credit to Leyton Orient for giving him a second chance. All of us are not perfect.

@Sian_Skinner: We have signed a player who has a history, and one he has paid his dues for. Yes what was said was not acceptable and he has recieved his punishment. Some people deserve a second chance….

@Pandamonium1881: Having had time to digest it… Only Jack knows if his apology is genuine so will take him at his word. What’s happened has happened (extremely regrettable & distasteful), he has apologised & been punished. Am certain the club went through rigorous process. Move on, welcome Jack

@CaseyAdamsLOFC:
What Jack did was wrong- YES
Has he been punished and apologised-YES
Does he deserve a second chance – YES
Footballers have done far worse and been given a second chance so why shouldn’t he.
You live and learn, Welcome Jack! #LOFC
@OrientOutlook

@OrientLiam: Sacked for being racist on a pre season tour, and is suspended for 6 games because of it. Disappointed isn’t the right term