The FA apologise to Eni Aluko and Drew Spence for Mark Sampson’s remarks

The Football Association has apologised to two players for comments made to them by recently sacked England women's team manager, Mark Sampson.

The apology was made after new evidence submitted to an independent barrister showed Sampson made remarks which were deemed "discriminatory on the grounds of race". Katharine Newton ruled that the comments, made to Eni Aluko and Drew Spence, were "ill-judged attempts at humour" adding she did not believe that Sampson was racist. She also found that Aluko had not been subjected to a "course of bullying". A statement from Martin Glenn, the FA's chief executive, reads:

"On behalf of The Football Association I would like to sincerely apologise to Eniola Aluko and Drew Spence. "Based on new evidence submitted to independent barrister Katharine Newton, she has now found that they were both subject to discriminatory remarks made by an FA employee. This is not acceptable. "She also concluded that there was no evidence to support the allegations that Eniola Aluko was subjected to ‘a course of bullying and discriminatory conduct’ by Mark Sampson. "Our ambition has always been to find the truth and take swift and appropriate action if needed. It was our decision to have the original, second and final investigation to ensure that due diligence was taken. It is regrettable that Eniola did not participate in the first external investigation as this would have enabled Katharine Newton to conduct and complete her investigation sooner. We will fully support the recommendations from the report."

Sampson was removed from his position as England manager last month after evidence came to light of 'inappropriate and unacceptable' behaviour during a previous role. Prior to Wednesday's ruling, he had been cleared of wrongdoing in relation to the discriminatory comments by Newton's initial report and an internal inquiry.