Stevenage caretaker manager Mark Sampson has been charged by the Football Association for using racist language.
The former England Women manager was previously found to have made unacceptable ‘ill-judged attempts at humour’ on two occasions to Eniola Aluko and Drew Spence. Though before his dismissal, Sampson was cleared of wrongdoing.
The 37 year old had been subject to an FA investigation since September after receiving a complaint over a comment made during a conversation about possible transfer targets.
A centre-half was mentioned as a possible signing but Sampson allegedly responded saying the club shouldn’t buy him because he was Nigerian.
At the time Stevenage said the allegations had “no foundation”.
A statement from the club said the allegations: “were phoned in to the FA by a former coach the day after he was told by Sampson that he no longer required his services at the club”.
“The claimant was offered the chance to make a formal complaint but declined this opportunity, instead choosing to call the FA,” said Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace.
“Nevertheless, CEO Alex Tunbridge acted immediately to interview and take statements from two individuals the claimant said were witnesses, as well as others that were present in the same meeting, but not mentioned by the claimant.
“In each case the witnesses did not support the allegations. Given that overwhelming outcome and the circumstances of the allegation, the club concluded there was no case to answer.”
An FA statement read: “Mark Sampson has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3.
“It is alleged that a comment made by the Stevenage FC caretaker manager breached FA Rule E3(1) as it was improper and/or abusive and/or insulting.
“It is further alleged that the comment also constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3(2), as it referenced ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race and/or nationality.
“He has until 6 December 2019 to provide a response to the charge.”
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