Racism: My England teammates disappointed me ―Aluko

Eniola Aluko has said that she is “disappointed and surprised” by the lack of support she has received from England teammates over her allegations against former England Women’s manager Mark Sampson.

Aluko according to the BBC said Sampson had made a racially discriminatory remark to her in November 2014, which was eventually proven after three inquiries.

Sampson was also found to have used discriminatory language towards another England player, Drew Spence, and was sacked in September over a separate safeguarding matter.

Aluko has spoken to international teammates at her club side Chelsea but said she had heard very little beyond that.

And she questioned whether the togetherness the Lionesses squad speak about is real or “just a hashtag on Twitter.”

She said: “I’ve had a lot of support from other countries — Norway, Sweden, France, particularly the United States girls.

“In their case they have Megan Rapinoe taking a knee in protest at the treatment of black people in America, while others sing the national anthem.

“That was discussed among the team, and while some players didn’t agree with her stance, they still respected it. That’s what we need to learn from.

“I should not be sat here saying I haven’t had any communication from my teammates, bar the Chelsea girls.

“We need to look at other examples and ask why this isn’t happening with a team ranked third in the world.

“Is the togetherness we keep banging on about actually being put into action or is it just a hashtag on Twitter?”

Aluko also said returning to England duty under new interim boss Mo Marley was “not a priority” and said she “didn’t need” an apology from Sampson.