Swindon respond to FA probe

Swindon have responded to the FA's decision to investigate claims that Paolo Di Canio racially abused Leyton Orient striker Jonathan Tehoue.

Last Updated: 15/05/12 at 16:19

Tehoue: Claims he was racially abused by Di Canio

Tehoue: Claims he was racially abused by Di Canio

The FA confirmed they will investigate a complaint over the alleged conduct of the Italian boss while Tehoue was on loan at the County Ground in March.

Tehoue originally complained to the club's chief executive Nicholas Watkins that Di Canio had made a racially abusive comment about him in front of Swindon players. The Robins boss' alleged comments were later relayed to Tehoue by his team-mates.

The Orient forward has now written a formal letter of complaint to the FA, who have decided to open a full enquiry into the matter.

A statement released on the Wiltshire club's official website read: "The club feels it is imperative to put the record straight on a number of points.

"For the record, Swindon Town FC states categorically that it operates a zero tolerance approach towards racism.

"With regard to the specific complaint raised by Jonathan Tehoue, the board was fully appraised of the facts at the time of the alleged incident back in March and having investigated it, was satisfied that it was without merit and took appropriate action then.

"The club will of course happily assist the FA in its enquiries."

Di Canio guided Swindon to the npower League Two title in his first season in charge, in his first season as a football manager, and was named as the League Managers' Association manager of the year for his division last night.

The club statement continued: "The manager, Paolo Di Canio, denies completely any suggestion that he used toward Jonathan Tehoue or anyone, abusive, insulting or threatening words or behaviour by reference to race, or at all.

"The board wishes to affirm its complete and unequivocal support for its manager in this regard.

"Further, the board is wholly satisfied that any decisions concerning Jonathan Tehoue's playing career whilst at Swindon Town FC were made for purely footballing reasons."

Tehoue made just three appearances for the Wiltshire club before Di Canio cut short his loan spell.

The Italian told BBC Wiltshire in April: "It's a technical decision. He's not as good as I thought he was.

"It's really impossible to think that he will be on a football pitch for Swindon again.

"My main players give me 100%" because they have suffered with me all season.

"I have much better players than him in the way I want them to behave and the way I want them to play."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

W

hat's a Bebe??

godsaveourkeane
Bebe seeking Sporting switch

W

hips, harness and saddlery ? This IS an Onion article.

v. profane
Bale set to trademark logo

I

want to trademark the word football .

herculezbotak
Bale set to trademark logo

Footer 365

Transfer news: Andy Carroll passes West Ham medical ahead of Liverpool exit

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has passed his medical with West Ham ahead of his proposed £15million move to Upton Park.

European U21 Championship: Thiago treble secures glory for Spain against Italy

Spain captain Thiago Alcantara hit a hat-trick to help his side secure U21 Euro glory with a 4-2 victory over Italy.

Jermaine Pennant agrees new one-year deal with Stoke City

Jermaine Pennant has put pen to paper on a new one-year contract with Stoke City to end speculation he was to leave.

Mail Box

Twas The Worst Game I Ever Did See...

In this Mailbox it's England v Algeria in 2010 that is seen as the nadir, but there's potential for worse, surely. Plus, one man says we should praise Rooney's honesty...

Why Doesn't Suarez Request A Transfer?

The morning mailbox ponders Luis Suarez's current predicament, cool footballers, the Lion City Cup, Spurs' transfer policy, Kanu's absence and lots more...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved