Portsmouth have released three academy players from their contracts after an internal investigation into under-18 players sending discriminatory messages in a group chat following the Euro 2020 final.
The south coast club opened an investigation after discriminatory messages aimed at Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho as well as Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, after they missed their penalties in the shootout defeat as England took on Italy in the Euro 2020 final, were leaked on social media.
In an official statement released by the club on their website, Portsmouth said:
“Portsmouth Football Club can confirm that the investigation – and subsequent disciplinary process – into discriminatory messages that originated from an academy U18 private group chat has now concluded.
“We can confirm that a decision has been made today (July 28) to release three players from the academy. These players do have the right to appeal the club’s decision.
“Portsmouth Football Club are fully committed to the elimination of all forms of discrimination.
“We are part of a diverse community and are dedicated to promoting an environment of equality and inclusion at all times – both inside the football club and in our wider society.
“We also continue to respectfully appeal for everyone’s consideration in their use of social media posts directed towards any of the club’s employees and any other external parties.”
Rashford, Sancho and Saka received huge outpourings of support from the vast majority of the sporting world with many choosing to support them rather than dish out abuse.
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