Stevenage claim racism allegations about Mark Sampson have 'no foundation'

Image: Mark Sampson was sacked from his role as England Women's coach in 2017

Stevenage say that racism allegations surrounding their caretaker manager Mark Sampson have "no foundation".

The Football Association is investigating a complaint that the former Lionesses manager used racially discriminatory language.

But the League Two club say they have conducted their own investigation and claim a coach who lost his job with Stevenage phoned in the allegation to the FA.

"Stevenage Football Club can restate that, following an internal investigation, allegations of racially discriminatory language brought against caretaker manager Mark Sampson reported in the national press yesterday have no foundation," a statement read.

"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 at the club."

Sampson, who was named interim boss at Broadhall Way last Monday following the dismissal of Dino Maamria, was sacked as boss of the England Women's team in 2017 following allegations of discrimination and bullying.

Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace said: "Like every professional club, no matter where the complaint comes from, we follow strict procedures, which were followed to the letter.

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"The claimant was offered the chance to make a formal complaint but declined this opportunity, instead choosing to call the FA.

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"Nevertheless, CEO Alex Tunbridge acted immediately to interview and take statements from two individuals the claimant said were witnesses, as well as others that were present in the same meeting, but not mentioned by the claimant.

"In each case the witnesses did not support the allegations. Given that overwhelming outcome and the circumstances of the allegation, the club concluded there was no case to answer.

"Perhaps now that the FA have the evidence, they will make it clear there is no case to answer.

"Guilt by association - especially when the person is well known - is a common weapon to use against folks in the public eye and when we find it has no foundation, we should be equally clear in making that known."

Image: Former England forward Eniola Aluko accused Sampson of racism, harassment and bullying whilst he was manager of the Lionesses

The 36-year-old was sacked from his previous role as head coach of the England Women team in 2017, following accusations of discrimination and bullying.

The 36-year-old Sampson was alleged to have had a relationship with a player during his time as coach of Bristol Academy, which led to his dismissal by the FA.

The FA said the allegations were investigated and Sampson was cleared of any wrongdoing.

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