Leicester has sacked three players, including the son of manager Nigel Pearson, after they appeared in a sexually-explicit video where they were seen racially abusing a Thai woman, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday.
James Pearson, the son of Foxes boss Nigel Pearson, Tom Hopper and Adam Smith, appeared in a leaked video from the club’s end-of-season “goodwill tour” of Thailand, during which several crude remarks were made, including one of two Thai women being called a “slit-eye.”
Following an internal investigation Leicester – whose owners are the Thai father and son combination of of businessmen Vichai and Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha – has terminated the three players’ contracts.
“Leicester City Football Club has notified Tom Hopper, Adam Smith and James Pearson that their contracts with the club have been terminated,” said a club statement.
“The decision follows the conclusion of an internal investigation and disciplinary proceedings, as a consequence of events that took place during the club’s end-of-season goodwill tour of Thailand.
“Leicester City Football Club is acutely aware of its position, and that of its players, as a representative of the city of Leicester, the Premier League, the Football Association and the club’s supporters.
“It is committed to promoting a positive message of community and family values and equality, and to upholding the standards expected of a club with its history, tradition and aspirations. The club will make no further comment on the investigation, its finding or outcomes,” the statement concluded.
Leicester were touring Thailand as they celebrated avoiding relegation from the lucrative Premier League.
Story: AFP
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