Eni Aluko has been let down by the Football Association, say Kick It Out
Wednesday 18 October 2017 22:36, UK
Kick It Out have accused the Football Association of "condoning and covering up" Mark Sampson's behaviour towards Eni Aluko.
Former England Women's head coach Sampson was cleared of discrimination against Aluko by an internal review and an independent investigation led by barrister Katharine Newton earlier this year.
But Newton's final report - released as Wednesday's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee hearing into the Sampson affair got underway - concluded Aluko and team-mate Drew Spence were "both subject to discriminatory remarks made by an FA employee".
FA chief executive Martin Glenn issued an apology to both players before Aluko told the DCMS committee hearing the national governing body had an agenda to protect Sampson and its own reputation.
In a statement on Wednesday evening, Kick It Out said: "Despite the public apology from Martin Glenn, chief executive of the FA, relating to Mark Sampson's use of racist language to two England players, it is now apparent that the FA's
processes were inadequate throughout.
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"They have condoned and covered up the behaviour of Sampson, whilst failing to provide sufficient support to the victim who brought forward this case.
"It was evident from today's review that the FA still lacks the appropriate protocols to deal with incidents of racism within the national team set-up.
"Whilst Kick It Out understands the FA is now taking action to address the shortcomings that have been identified, it is essential that going forward they combat and challenge incidents of racism more effectively."
Shadow sports minister Dr Rosena Allin-Khan said the FA should see the situation as an opportunity to reform its processes.
"The FA's initial investigation was not good enough, that is why I called for a second independent investigation. After much pressure - I am pleased they launched it," she said in a statement.
"The findings do not make good reading for the FA. It will do little to inspire the next generation of footballers from ethnic minorities, who need to know that allegations will be taken seriously and properly investigated.
"The FA has a golden opportunity to overhaul the way it handles complaints and allegations about serious, sensitive and often highly personal matters."
