England Women’s head coach Mark Sampson has been accused of making ‘racial’ comments to striker, Eniola Aluko.

Further alleged details of Aluko’s case against Sampson have come to light after the England manager reportedly made comments towards the Chelsea striker that had “derogatory, racial and prejudicial connotations” in 2015.

Initial details of the case were brought to light on 7 August when it was discovered that the 30-year-old had made a complaint against her national team coach regarding bullying, harassment and general treatment. However, it now appears that there’s even more to this case than was initially reported.

Sampson is accused of making comments, which have racial connotations. In Aluko’s evidence to the FA, it was claimed: “During a meeting, at which I was not present, MS [Sampson] used an analogy about pressing hard in midfield and getting a caution like a police caution.

“MS then addressed the player individually and said in relation to being cautioned by police: ‘Haven’t you been arrested before? Four times isn’t it?’

“This comment about the player was made with derogatory, racial and prejudicial connotations.

“It was also a defamatory, untrue statement given that the player has never been arrested and MS’s comment indicates an assumption (subconscious or conscious) that being mixed race from London suggests a criminal record with the police.

“Although I was not present at the meeting, other players confirmed MS made this comment and that it was not received as a joke and created an awkward atmosphere in the room.

“I was deeply concerned and felt it was highly inappropriate for the national team coach to make such a sweeping negative generalisation about a new player in the team.”

Eniola Aluko
ROTHERHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 08: Eniola Aluko in action during the UEFA Women’s European Qualifer between England and Belgium at The New York Stadium on April 8, 2016 in Rotherham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Aluko, who’s scored 33 goals in 102 appearances for England, hasn’t played for her country since April 2016, despite a ‘mutual resolution’ said to have been reached ahead of Euro 2017, which saw the Lionesses knocked out in their semi-final clash against hosts, the Netherlands.

However, she’s still on the payroll and apparently takes home £30k-per-year.

Aluko has allegedly received about £80,000 in a settlement with the FA. However, hasn’t been told she’s not allowed to talk about the incident.

In a statement, the FA said: “Following an internal review into allegations raised by Eniola Aluko last year, The FA commissioned an independent investigation conducted by a barrister, Katharine Newton, who is an expert on employment and discrimination law.

“The detailed independent investigation report did not uphold any of Eniola Aluko’s complaints and found no wrong-doing on behalf of The FA or others.”