Sampson feels strain of ‘racism’ inquiry
Mark Sampson, the England Women’s manager, admits accusations of bullying, harassment and racism have “put him in a difficult position emotionally” as the Football Association continues its investigation into his conduct.
The scrutiny of Sampson has overshadowed the start of the Lionesses’ World Cup campaign, which kicks off against Russia at Prenton Park tonight.
In a passionate defence of her manager, striker Jodie Taylor said Sampson had the full backing of the squad. But for the coach, it was a forlorn hope the focus would shift to matters on the pitch, given the nature of the allegations off it.
“The focus for us this week is to try to be professional about the game but, of course, we’re aware of what’s going on, we’re getting updates from the organisation and we can’t escape the news,” he said. “I think if anyone has put themselves in my position, they would feel in a very difficult position, emotionally.
“But over the course of the last 10 days I’ve been fully aware we’ve got a big game against the secondseeded
Accused: Two players have alleged Mark Sampson made racial remarks team in this group. I’ve worked incredibly hard to prepare these players and the players have done the same.”
Sampson faces more questions regarding alleged remarks made to Drew Spence at the China Cup in October 2015. It is alleged Sampson asked Spence, a mixed-race player, how many times she has been arrested. Text messages exchanged between squad members at the time referencing any comments made by the manager could form part of the new investigation.
Another player, Eni Aluko, alleges Sampson told her to be careful Nigerian relatives did not bring Ebola to Wembley. He denies both allegations. “Any questions now in relation to what happens next, the investigation, they’re questions I cannot answer. They have to be asked to the FA,” said Sampson, who said he was leaning on others to support him through a challenging period. “How I handle that personally is not for me to discuss with you [the media],” he added.
Arsenal striker Taylor said: “We all know what goes on in the group and we are all behind Mark. I was really surprised by the allegations because it was genuinely not anything I have ever experienced.”