FA to investigate player’s reference to internet video
SWANSEA City are at the centre of an FA probe following Sam Clucas’ goal celebration in their 3-1 win over Arsenal at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday night.
Clucas was seen mimicking the spying symbol of a sex video that’s shared on social media, following his two goals against the Gunners, that temporarily lifted the Swans out of the relegation zone.
Though Swansea claim Clucas was not “fully aware” of the group’s “pornographic sections”, newspaper reports claim the FA is set to probe goal celebrations by Clucas and other Premier League players in the last few months. The FA told The Sun: “We are looking into the matter.”
A Premier League spokesman added: “We would not want offensive material referenced in our competition in any way.”
Clucas is not the only player caught up in the celebration probe as the same gesture was made by Southampton’s Charlie Austin, 28, and teammate Jack Stephens, 24, in December.
But Swansea City have said they will speak to Clucas “to establish the full facts” behind his celebration and told the Western Mail the player has apologised for any offence caused.
“As a club we were unaware of any links to the Internet group in question and disappointed to learn of the association as it does not reflect the values of Swansea City nor our strong commitment to equality,” said a Swansea City spokesman.
“We wholeheartedly condemn the degradation of women and believe everyone’s rights, dignity and individual worth is to be respected.
“Having spoken to Sam, he was not fully aware of the pornographic sections of this internet group and at no time intended to cause offence which he apologises for. The club will speak to Sam again to establish the full facts, while also reminding everyone of their responsibilities.”
Nuneaton Town’s Ashley Chambers, 27, has also been photographed performing the sign as has the boxer Kell Brook. It’s claimed the website was set up by two men from the Merseyside area or nearby and the clips have gained a cult following of 70,000 subscribers on social media.
The videos combine hardcore porn with comedic footage and the humorous Yorkshire voiceover.
Maria Caulfield MP, the Tory vicechairman for women, said performing the gesture on the field “fuels the increasing image that male footballers have little respect for women”.