Mark Sampson was under investigation at time of England Women’s axe for ‘threatening’ female Uefa official with a metal pole


FORMER England women’s boss Mark Sampson threatened a female Uefa official with a metal pole at Euro 2017, according to a Uefa report.

Sampson allegedly lost the plot after the Lioness’ 3-0 semi-final defeat to Holland last summer.

Mark Sampson was under investigation by Uefa at the time of his England axe for threatening a female official with a pole
Mark Sampson was under investigation by Uefa at the time of his England axe for threatening a female official with a pole
PA:Press Association

Uefa say he picked up the pole before throwing it to the ground during a bust-up with referee liaison officer Fijke Hoogendijk.

But eyewitness reports last night said an unaccredited person entered the England dressing room after the clash, sparking anger among England staff over security at the ground.

A disciplinary report ruled: “[Sampson] picked up a metal pillar, raising it above his head aggressively, before throwing it down hard against the floor.

“Fijke was concerned he was going to strike her . . . Fijke felt intimidated.”

Sampson, who was fired by the FA last September because of “inappropriate behaviour” with a female player at Bristol Academy, also told Hoogendijk: “You’re a f***ing disgrace.”

Sampson was sacked by the FA last September
Sampson was sacked by the FA last September
PA:Press Association
Phil Neville was named as Sampsons replacement in January
Phil Neville was named as Sampson’s replacement in January
Getty Images - Getty

And the former coach, 35, raged at a venue official, saying: “You better sit down, you little s***!”

Now, after a disciplinary hearing, Uefa have given Sampson a three-game ban for “insulting, aggressive and insistent actions”.


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The FA refused to comment last night — but did provide a remarkable defence at the hearing.

They claimed Sampson was harassed because “the build-up to the game had been stressful”.

The FA also insisted the pole was too heavy for him to lift above his head.

One witness said a non-accredited person entered England’s dressing room and staff, including Sampson, used a metal frame to block a door.

Sampson gave Uefa a statement on September 21 last year, a day after being fired by FA chief executive Martin Glenn.

He admitted using inappropriate language but denied the main accusation.

August 2017 – Ex-England player Eni Aluko accuses him of making ‘derogatory racial’ remark towards her.

September 2017 – Was quizzed after putting his hands on Lucy Bronze’s shoulders during England training, only for her to shrug him off.

The England squad then appeared to show support for under-pressure Sampson by celebrating with him after scoring in the World cup qualifier against Russia.

The FA sack Sampson as England boss with a statement claiming it was due to “inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour” during his time at Bristol Academy. The governing body insisted it was not connected to Aluko’s comments

Sampson is dropped as a patron of Women in Sport.

Report claims Sampson was axed by England due to a six-month relationship with one of his players at Bristol Academy.

October 2017 – FA chief exec Martin Glenn admits Sampson was found to have made racist remarks to Aluko and Drew Spence.

March 2018 – Uefa reveal Sampson was suspended for three matches after threatening a female official with a metal pole at the Euros.

Yesterday’s report said his conduct was of “great concern” because he “threatened the integrity” of an official.

It added: “The language and his attitude grossly violated decent conduct.

“It can’t be permitted that Uefa officials endure the aggressive manners of others, let alone the head coach of a team.”

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