Stevenage rebuff Sampson racism allegation

Stevenage have strongly defended Mark Sampson, their caretaker manager, after allegations of racism were made against him by a former member of their coaching staff.

Sampson, the former England Women’s coach, who intends to fight the allegations, was put in charge of the League Two side last weekend, a decision that did not go down well with the man he replaced, Dino Maamria, and other members of the Tunisian’s coaching staff.

An allegation was made about Sampson this week that he advised against signing a defender because he was Nigerian. But Stevenage have condemned the motives behind the claim and are adamant Sampson has “no case to answer”.

The club said in a statement: “Following an internal investigation, allegations of racially discriminatory language brought against Mark Sampson have no foundation.

“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.”

Chairman Phil Wallace said: “Like every professional club, no matter where the complaint comes from, we follow strict procedures. The claimant was offered the chance to make a formal complaint but declined this opportunity, instead choosing to call the FA.

“Nevertheless, CEO Alex Tunbridge acted to take statements from two individuals the claimant said were witnesses, as well as others present in the same meeting, but not mentioned by the claimant. In each case, the witnesses did not support the allegations.”