Southgate’s quick to stick up for Sampson

GARETH SOUTHGATE has given his backing to Mark Sampson as the England’s women’s manager continues to face allegations of racism and bullying. Eni Aluko, last season’s Women’s Super League top scorer, has not played for England since she submitted a bullying and harassment complaint, including an allegation of racism, against Sampson. Aluko alleges Sampson told her before a game in 2014 to make sure that her Nigerian relatives did not bring the Ebola virus to Wembley. She also claims a member of staff used to talk to her in a fake Caribbean accent. Sampson denies the allegations

and he has been cleared of racial discrimination, bullying and harassment following an independent inquiry. Southgate was yesterday asked if he could vouch for Sampson’s character. ‘Absolutely,’ Southgate said. ‘Mark, in my view, is an excellent character. I have no hesitation in saying that,’ and added: ‘It is clearly a very serious topic. ‘It is very important that the culture is right. We want all players to feel they belong here so that they can perform their best when they are with us. I can’t really go beyond what I have witnessed myself.’