FA apologises for Sampson remarks on Aluko, Spence

The FA has apologised to two players after new evidence showed sacked England’s women’s boss Mark Sampson made remarks which were “discriminatory on the grounds of race”.

An independent barrister ruled Sampson made unacceptable “ill-judged attempts at humour” on two occasions, to Eniola Aluko and Drew Spence.

Katharine Newton said despite this, she did not believe he is racist.

She also concluded that Aluko was not subjected to “a course of bullying”.

Newton’s initial report had cleared Sampson, but the new evidence led to her investigation being resumed.

And a report of the reopened investigation was released as FA bosses and Aluko faced a parliamentary inquiry yesterday.

Reacting to the new report, Chelsea striker Aluko told the hearing: “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.”

The Chelsea striker said she had felt “isolated” during the case.

“I didn’t want it to be as adversarial as it became - the FA versus Aluko if you like,” she said.

“I had a very good relationship with the FA up until two years ago. That disappointments me.”