FA’s ‘bully’ probe has not produced Eni clear answers
It was difficult to know what to think about the high-profile spat last week between Eni Aluko, the FA and England coach Mark Sampson.
Reading all reports, you didn’t know what was true or false amid the claims and denials about alleged bullying in the England camp.
All it means is that fans of the Chelsea star – who has won 102 England caps – are left in the dark about events.
The controversy threatens to cast a shadow over the women’s game at the worst time. The sport should be on a high after the brilliance of the r e c ent Eu r o Championships.
But this row is threatening to sul ly women’s football when it should be soaring.
Having spoken to my friends in the English camp I reckon the real stor y has yet to emerge.
Eni has alleged that she was the victim of bullying while she was involved with the England set-up.
The FA revealed last week t hat an i ndependent invest igation found no wrong doing had occurred.
Of course, any form of bullying is unacceptable and shouldn’t be tolerated.
I’ve only ever played against Eni during my time in England. I know her as an opponent – but not as a person at all.
But what I do know is that both Aluko and England coach Sampson are two huge characters within the women’s game.
The England manager is very opinionated on just about everything – and so is Eni. So it sounds to me like it ha s b e en a cl a sh of personalities. It’s possible Eni hasn’t been in his starting XI and has felt out of favour.
But coaches always have players whom they rate more than anyone else.
I’ve witnessed it myself – they’re label led as the manager’s favourites.